Beneficial Insects
You'll find many helpful insects, earthworms and other organisms in your yard.
Predatory insects include commonly seen ladybugs, lacewings, aphid-lions (lacewing larvae), flower fly larvae, ground beetles and dragonflies that feed on pests.
Parasitic insects are commonly tiny ichneumon wasps or flies that develop inside or on pest insects, eventually killing them.
Soil dwellers include earthworms and other decomposers that breakdown organic matter into soil promoting natural fertility and aeration. Micro-organisms like beneficial bacteria and fungi further break it down to release nutrients for plant growth.
Pests and Diseases
Here are just a few of the harmful insects and plant diseases to look out for.
Yard Pests
- mosquitoes
- stinging wasps & bees
- ants
Tree Pests
Tree Diseases
- black knot disease
- dothiorella wilt of elm
- western gall rust on pines
- Dutch elm disease
Potential Invaders
Additional Information
Identifying the good, the bad and the ugly
Since beneficial insects may be mistaken for pests, it's a good idea to check with your local garden centre or the City's Pest Management Unit to correctly identify a pest or problem. You can drop off your specimens to the Pest Management Unit on the main floor at 12304 107 Street, between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.
Alternatives to using chemicals on your yard are a better choice for a healthy environment in the long term.