Which role do beneficial insects play in a garden?

Beneficial insects play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem, primarily by helping to control pest populations naturally. This includes insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, which target and feed on harmful pests like aphids, caterpillars, and other garden invaders. By regulating these pest populations, beneficial insects reduce the need for chemical pesticides, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to gardening.

While some may believe that beneficial insects only focus on pollination or provide nutrients to the soil, their primary impact is in pest management. Pollination is indeed a vital process for many beneficial insects, but it is not their exclusive function, as some species are more dedicated to controlling pests. Additionally, beneficial insects do not consume ornamental plants; instead, they tend to prey upon organisms that can harm the plants, making their role even more significant in protecting garden health.