Why Not Every Beetle is a Pest

Most people know that some species of beetle are considered pests, since they can cause damage to homes or yards. What many people do not know, however, is that some types of beetles are actually beneficial, especially to flower, fruit, or vegetable gardeners. Knowing the difference between a beetle that may be harmful and one that may be beneficial could get confusing for those who are not well schooled in entomology. Below is a list of beetles that, if present in your yard or garden, may actually be doing you a good service.

Coccinellid Beetles - Though their scientific name may throw you, you will probably recognize the name that most people refer to them as ladybugs. Yes, those cute little insects with the lovely red wings - which sometimes sport black polka dots - are beetles. Very few gardeners do not know of the benefits of having ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, in their gardens. Ladybugs love to feed on aphids, which are some of the most unwelcome pests in gardens. It is highly unlikely that anyone who sees a ladybug in his or her garden is going to try to kill it. Even if a person does not know of the benefits of having ladybugs in his or her yard or garden, they are seldom seen as threatening insects.

Rove Beetles - Rove beetles look more like the kind of beetles that people are used to seeing, and can therefore cause concern. The Rove Beetle is black, with an elongated body and shell-like wing covers. Although people might not find them as pleasant to look at as ladybugs, they can serve a beneficial purpose in your yard or garden. Rove Beetles like to feed on other insects that live in soil or on plants, and they are especially fond of insect larvae. If present in your yard or garden, Rove Beetles can help rid the area of aphids and aphid larvae, and sometimes spider mites. Larger species of Rove Beetles will even feed on slugs or harmful caterpillars. They are insect-eaters, and therefore not harmful to plants at all.

Ground Beetles - They may not be the most pleasant insect to look at, but Ground Beetles, also known as Tiger Beetles, can perform a very important service in your yard or garden. Ground beetles love to feast on slugs and snails, two of the most despised garden pests. They also like to dine on aphids, cabbageworm larvae, and housefly maggots, to name a few of their other favorite meals. Ground Beetles can be blue-black to brown in color, and their wings are shiny. They can reach up to an inch in length.

Soldier Beetle - Soldier Beetles grow to about 1/2 inch long, and resemble fireflies, without the glow. These beetles are voracious carnivores, and love to feed on garden pests. In fact, gardeners should be ecstatic to see these beetles in their gardens, as they will eat over 100 types of insects. Some of the garden pests that Soldier Beetles like to feed on are aphids, cabbage worms, onion maggots, and gypsy moth caterpillars.