3 common backyard bugs that are actually helping — not hurting your plants

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Summer is finally here, and with it comes a surge of various seasonal bugs and winged visitors to our outdoor spaces.And if you’ve been growing veggies or lush plants, the last thing you want is for backyard bugs to ruin your hard work. However, a handful of creepy-crawlies often considered nuisance pests are actually helpful friends (and not foes) for a thriving outdoor space.While we all know butterflies are beneficial ot our yard, there are other ‘good’ bugs which we can leave alone to get on with things.So before you reach for the repellent, here are some pests that you actually need in your yard this season.1. Ladybugs (ladybirds)

Ladybugs on leaf (Image credit: Shutterstock)Although many people try to get rid of ladybugs around the home, you might just want to hold fire. These spotted beetles frequent our gardens and occasionally cluster in numbers — but they are perfect for wiping out destructive aphids in your yard.In fact, one adult eats roughly 50 aphids a day — while their larvae will eat even more. These hungry bugs also keep blackfly, greenfly, and mealybugs under control.Aphids are soft-bodied bugs that attach themselves to the underside of leaves in your yard and feast on the sap of your plants. These bugs are more common during summer, and particular favorites include roses, tomato plants, sunflowers, and many more.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Ladybugs make an effective, natural form of pest control, which protects your plants and veggies from being ruined. Interestingly, there are over 500 species of ladybugs, which can be confused with the invasive Asian beetle. If in doubt, check out our guide on how to identify ladybugs or Asian beetles.For more top tips on getting rid of aphids, check out 7 natural aphid deterrents to prevent infestation in your yard.2. Lacewings