It may seem counterintuitive at first to invite insects into your garden on purpose. But not all bugs are bad! In fact, many insects play a vital role in maintaining healthy gardens and productive fields. The idea that all bugs must be eliminated is a common misconception. Nature, as always, has a clever way of balancing things out. By welcoming the right kinds of insects, we can work with nature instead of against it.

But how do you tell the difference between a good and bad bug? Educate yourself! Observe. Take a close look at the insect and what it is eating. Is the result obvious plant damage? Is there more than one type of insect? Grab your magnifying glass and get a good look. Snap a photo. Get to the computer and compare pictures. Bring a sample to our clinic. The best way to control unwanted bugs is by observation and education. After, and only after you have identified the insect as a pest, take steps to eradicate it. That’s the basics of Integrated Pest Management that we teach at OSU Extension.

Of course, some bugs are destructive and need to be controlled, but of the 1.5 million-plus known species, more than 97% are beneficial or simply benign! Scientists estimate that on one acre of land at least 400 million insects are present. More than 75% of crops and flowers rely on insect pollination. Insects perform other important tasks — they aerate soil, break down dead material and serve as food for wildlife. Many insects actually eat bad guys.

Perhaps you don’t need anything but a strong blast of water on the underside of the leaves. This method deters aphids. Another bad guy is the Japanese beetle. Do not put up traps — they attract more! Be vigilant,and watch for the first ones to arrive. Kill them — hand pick and drown in a bucket of water with a drop of soap. These scouts can no longer call in the troops!

Beware that any insecticide (yes, even an organic insecticide) can have an effect on the good guys to get to one bad guy! Always use them as a last resort. Be sure to read the label of any insecticide you may use.

Some good bugs to research include: Ladybugs, parasitic wasps, soldier beetles, lacewings, assassin bugs and damsel bugs. Learn to recognize these insects.

Did you know that by growing certain native plants you can attract beneficial insects? Some good ones include: Coreopsis, Joe-Pye weed, boneset, ox-eye Sunflower, bee balm, mountain mints (a magnet for bees & good insects!), black-eyed Susan, goldenrods, potentilla, asters and Golden Alexander.

Mother Nature has a way of taking care of things in ways we often do not take the time to understand. Watch and listen; she has so much to share!

McKinley is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.