Huntsman spiders

The huntsman spider is present in practically all warm temperate to tropical regions of the world, including much of the United States. They are most often discovered living under rocks and tree bark, as well as in sheds, garages and other quiet environments. Larger members of this spider species are sometimes called wood spiders, because of their preference for woody places, like forests, mines shafts, woodpiles, wooden out-buildings.

Although huntsman spiders have been known to occaisionally inflict defensive bites on people, they are not widely regarded as a pest control problem, or seen as a danger to healthy humans. In fact, because they provide free insect control for homeowners and gardeners when they feed on a variety of insect pests, many people consider them to be a beneficial insect.

Learn more about the Huntsman spider.

Yellowjacket

Yellowjacket is a common name, for a North American species of predatory wasp. Although most of these wasps are black and yellow, or black and white, others may have a red abdomen color mixed with yellow; instead of black.

Yellowjackets build wasp nests in trees, shrubs, or protected areas, such as inside attics, hollow walls/flooring, in sheds, under porches, and the eavestroughs of houses; and other human-made structures. Once established, the wasp colony expands very quickly, reaching a maximum size of 4,000 to 5,000 workers.

Yellowjackets are important predators and providers of effective natural pest control services. Their mouthparts are well-developed, with strong mandibles for capturing and chewing insects, which they then feed to the larvae.

Read more about yellowjacket wasps.

Beetles

Beetles are an order of insects, which contain more species than any other order, in the animal kingdom. The insect order of beetles, contains almost twenty-five percent; of all known life-forms. Some species of Beetles, like the ladybug and Soldier beetle, are widely considered beneficial insects; and are actively encouraged by gardeners.

Beetles enjoy a very wide distribution, and have been known to cause insect control problems in almost all habitats on earth; with the exception of sea and polar regions.

Some species of beetle, such as the Colorado potato beetle, the boll weevil and the Carpet beetle, repeatedly cause pest control problems; when they invade and destroy household items and agricultural crops.

Read more about the beetle.

Little Brown bats

The Little Brown bat is one of the most common bats in North America, and has been a model organism for bat studies and research. As the bat's name suggests, it's fur is uniformly dark brown and glossy on the back. The upper body is slightly paler, with greyish fur underneath.

This species of bat has 38 teeth, all of which are relatively sharp. As is typical for insectivores, this natural exterminator has canines that are very prominent, enabling it to grasp hard-bodied insects; while still in flight.

Pest management experts report that a strong population of Little Brown bats, will provide effective bug and insect control services to homeowners and farmers, by consuming tons of insect pests; year after year.

Read more about the Little Brown bat.

Praying Mantis

Although named for their typical prayer-like stance, the word praying mantis is sometimes misspelled preying mantis, because they are well-known as natural predators; and beneficial insects. The word mantis is actually derived from the Greek word for "prophet" or "fortune teller."

The praying mantis has a body with three segments, an almost alien-like head, thorax and abdomen. The huge compound eyes, mounted on their triangular head (which is able to turn 180 degrees), provide a large field of vision; and excellent hearing. The forelegs of this natural exterminator and beneficial insect, are extraordinarily powerful for their size, and are able to crush it's insect prey; in half. Their mouth parts have several strong cutting components, which tear through and consume tough insect bodies.

Praying mantises can be found in any part of the world that has mild winters, and sufficient vegetation during the late spring, to late summer months. Praying mantis will spend most of their time in a garden, forest or other vegetated area, providing natural insect control services; mainly by feeding on other insects and bugs.

Read more about praying mantises.

Predatory Stink Bugs

Although some species of stink bug may be considered harmful, many are predaceous and considered a beneficial insect, mainly because they attack over 100 types of insects; including plant-damaging bugs, beetles, and caterpillars.

Although they are often seen as beneficial, the stink bug seldom plays more than a minor role in the natural pest control, of unwanted garden insect pests.

The predatory stink bug is neo-tropical and as such, more more likely to be encountered in the south-eastern quarter; of the United States. For example, there is a very common predatory species in Florida, that is dark blue and orange in color.

Read more about Predatory Stink bugs.

Emerald Cockroach wasp

The Emerald Cockroach wasp (or Jewel wasp) is metallic blue-green body, with red thighs on the second and third pair of legs. The male of this species is smaller, and does not have a stinger.

Best known for their unusual reproductive behavior, the female Emerald Cockroach wasp will disable and paralyze the cockroach, and then use it's body as a live host; making it a cockroach's worst nightmare.

Mating takes about one minute, and only one mating session is necessary, for a female wasp to successfully eliminate several dozen cockroaches. This makes the Emerald Cockroach wasp, a welcome source of natural pest control services, for homeowners and gardeners.

Read more about Emerald Cockroach wasps.

Green lacewings

Green lacewings are usually bright green to greenish-brown, with conspicuously golden compound eyes (in many species), and translucent or slight iridescence wings. Some may have green wing veins, or a cloudy brownish wing pattern.

This beneficial insect is a very effective natural exterminator, that provides homeowners and gardeners with a safe, non-chemical alternative, for naturally controlling common pests; like aphids and lace bugs.

Gardeners can attract lacewings, and ensure a steady supply of natural pest control services, by introducing companion plants; and tolerating some beneficial weeds. The Green lacewing are attracted mainly by sunflowers, dandelions and dill.

Read more about the Green lacewing.

Minute Pirate Bug

The Minute Pirate bug is a beneficial bug and insect predator, commonly discovered throughout the Western United States.

Functioning as an effective natural exterminator, a Minute Pirate bug can eliminate thirty or more spider mites; each day. As well, this beneficial insect preys upon insect eggs, aphids, thrips, and small caterpillars.

Read more about Minute Pirate bugs.

Mealybug Destroyer

The Mealybug Destroyer is a natural predator of all species of mealybugs. As well, this beneficial insect is also known to prey upon aphids and soft scale; when mealybugs are in short supply.

In the United States, the Mealybug Destroyer has proven its usefulness as an effective natural exterminator and pest control method. In fact, this beneficial insect has been credited with completely controlling the citrus mealybug population, in the U.S. State of California.

Read more about Mealybug Destroyers.

Damsel Bug

Damsel bugs are commonly discovered throughout the year, in agricultural crops such as legumes, soybeans, grassy fields and alfalfa.

These beneficial insects are tiny (about 2 to 4 mm long), soft-bodied, and often yellowish to tan in color. As well, this terrestrial predator has wings, (large) bulbous eyes and stilt-like legs.

The Damsel bug is a natural exterminator of Aphids, leaf hoppers, mites and many more garden pests.

Read more about Damsel bugs.

Big-eyed Bug

Big-eyed bugs are present in a number of habitats, including fields, gardens, and turf grass, and considered an important natural predator and beneficial insect; in a number of agricultural systems.

This natural exterminator feeds on mites, insect eggs, and small pests; like pink boll-worm, cabbage loopers, white-flies and more. Both nymphs and adult Big-eyed bugs can survive on nectar and honeydew, when their natural prey are scarce.

Sometimes confused with the True Chinch bug, which is considered a pest control problem, adult Big-eyed bugs are small (about 3 mm) black, gray, or tan; with proportionately large eyes.

Read more about the Big-eyed bug.

Assassin Bug

Sometimes known as cone-noses or kissing bugs, these beneficial insects are approximately 3/4 of an inch in length, with a long narrow head and beak, long slender antennae and wings.

Commonly encouraged as a natural pest control method, the Assassin bug has proven its ability to perform, as an effective exterminator; of spider and termite control problems.

Appropriately named, the Assassin bug will wait patiently, for the opportunity to ambush their prey. Exercising speed and accuracy, the Assassin bug uses its long beak to stab it’s victim; and inject lethal toxin.

Read more about the Assassin bug.

Soldier Beetle

The Soldier beetle is also known as the Leatherwing. Highly desired by gardeners, this beneficial insect provides natural pest control services; in gardens and flower beds.

The Soldier beetle supplements it's aphids diet with nectar and pollen, and as a result, this natural exterminator acts as a minor pollinator; as well.

Homeowners wishing to encourage the growth and development of a strong Soldier beetle population, should introduce nectar and pollen producing plants to their gardening environment.

Read more about the Soldier beetle.

Ladybug

There are a few species of ladybugs that are considered pests in North America and Europe. However, most people consider them to be Beneficial insects. Because many species feed on aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and mites, the ladybug can provide effective natural pest control services; for gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and similar places.

In the United States, ladybugs usually begin to appear indoors in the fall. Abandoning their summer feeding sites in fields, forests and yards, in favor of a warmer place to spend the winter. Furthermore, homes and buildings located near fields or wooded areas, are more likely to be subject to ladybug pest control problems.

Read more about the ladybug.

Beneficial Insects

Beneficial insects, also known as Beneficial bugs, are common species of insects; that provide valuable natural pest control services.

Insects commonly identified as beneficial include:

• Assassin bug
• Big eyed-bug
• Damsel bug
• Ladybug
• Mealybug destroyer
• Minute pirate bug
• Praying Mantis
• Predatory Stink bugs
• Soldier beetle

The main focus of this natural exterminating method, is to promote insects; that beneficially eat the homeowner's targeted pests.

Read more about the role and value of a Beneficial insect.