Garden Bugs

Garden bugs in the backyard are not always a bad thing. We’re breaking down the good, the bad and the ugly so you can keep harmful garden insect pests away.

3 Types of Wasps That Sting and 6 That (Usually) Don’t

A few wasps are stinging nuisances, but most are ecosystem heroes. Here are common types of wasps to avoid, plus those that could save your garden.

That Huge Bumblebee Is Actually a Carpenter Bee

Learn how to identify a carpenter bee. Find out where and how long the bees live and what to do...


Have No Fear of the Cicada Killer Wasp

A cicada killer wasp looks scary, but these bugs don't deserve your terror! Here's where to find these peaceful, non-aggressive...


How to Identify a Mud Dauber Wasp and Its Nest

Not all wasps are out to sting you — and the mud dauber certainly isn't. Here's why these scary-looking bugs...


This Is What a Praying Mantis Egg Case Looks Like

See photos of what a praying mantis egg case looks like in the garden and find out when the eggs...

Paper Wasp vs Yellow Jacket: How to Tell the Difference

Some bugs can be tricky to tell apart, especially when you don't want to get close! Here's how to distinguish...


10 Plants That Japanese Beetles Don’t Like

Beetles be gone! Add plants that repel Japanese beetles to your garden and protect your favorite flowers from unsightly damage.

Meet the Bee Flies: Look-Alike Bee Mimics

Why does that bee look strange? Well, because it might not be a bee! Learn about bee flies, the mimics...


What Foods Do Dragonflies Eat (and Do They Bite)?

Don't worry if you see a dragonfly. Our experts reveal what foods dragonflies eat and if dragonflies will bite or...


How to Get Rid of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Stink bugs literally stink and are also tough to eliminate from your house and garden. We talked to the experts...


Ants in Your Garden: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Managing ants in your garden is no picnic. Here's what you can do to solve your ant problem—and why sometimes...

The Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Is Spreading: Protect Your Yard

The spotted lanternfly, native to Asia, is spreading and causing trouble in the U.S. Here's what to do if you...


How to Identify and Get Rid of Earwigs

Here's how to recognize, trap and remove earwigs in the garden. Get expert tips to get rid of these odd-looking...


Moth Mystery Solved: Why Are Moths Attracted to Light?

Explore the latest research to discover why moths are attracted to light, and find out how to bring more moths...


How to Identify an American Dagger Moth

Learn what an American dagger moth and caterpillar looks like. Also find out which host plants these moths need.


Where Do Sleeping Bees Spend the Night?

We know plenty of backyard critters sleep, including songbirds and hummingbirds — but do bees sleep? Here's the surprising answer.

Bronze Birch Borer: Tree Damage and Treatment

Learn how to identify the bronze birch borer insect. See the tree damage signs to look for and the recommended...


All About the Mayfly Insect: Larvae, Lifespan and More

Mayflies don't bite and adults only live for a day, but you don't want to get stuck in a swarm....


How to Identify a Promethea Silk Moth

It's not a butterfly — it's a moth! Learn how to identify the promethea silk moth, a beautifully patterned backyard...


What Is That Green Bee in Your Garden?

Warm weather brings about a variety of bugs, including colorful green bees. Here's why you should appreciate the shiny, dazzling...


A Wheel Bug Is Harmless to Plants, but Ouch! Watch Out!

Steer clear! Wheel bugs are beneficial in the garden, but they deliver a painful bite when disturbed by humans.


See What a Sphinx Moth Caterpillar and Pupa Looks Like

Here's how to identify sphinx moth caterpillars and sphinx moth pupa in your garden. Learn what to look for in...


How to Prevent Rose Sawfly Larvae Damage

Spotting holes and brown spots on your rose leaves? You might have roseslugs or rose sawfly larvae. Here's how to...


Bee vs Hoverfly: Meet the Flies That Look Like Bees

Bees and their look-alikes, including robber flies and hoverflies, are good bugs for your garden. Learn about flies that look...


Should You Provide Drinking Water for Bees?

You're probably already providing a bird bath for your feathered friends, but did you know you can provide water for...

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Stop the Tomato Hornworm From Damaging Your Tomatoes

They turn into beautiful moths, but tomato hornworm caterpillars are pests in the veggie garden.


27 Beautiful Bee Pictures We Can’t Stop Buzzing About

Birds and butterflies aren't the only beautiful backyard visitors. These pretty bee pictures will give you a new appreciation for...


Praying Mantis: Fierce and Fascinating Garden Bugs

Find out what foods a praying mantis will eat and how to attract these beneficial bugs. Plus learn about praying...


Keep Invasive Asian Jumping Worms Out of Your Yard

Don't let Asian jumping worms take over your garden! Get expert advice on how to deal with these invasive soil-ruining...


25 Pictures That Will Change How You See Bugs

Never think of bugs as creepy or crawly again! These bug pictures show how amazing (and beautiful) these creatures really...


Native Bees: Super Garden Pollinators

Learn important facts about native bees. Plant your garden with native bees in mind and help these powerful pollinators thrive.