Beneficial Insects Spotlight
Not every bug is a problem. Some are out there doing your plants a favor, whether you realize it or not. Lady beetles, or ladybugs as most people call them, are one of the best beneficial insects you can have in your yard. And no, they’re not just cute. These little beetles, especially their larvae, are natural predators that feed on pests like aphids, lace bugs, scale, spider mites, and whiteflies. The kind of pests that quietly suck the life out of your trees and shrubs.
If you’ve ever dealt with lace bug damage on azaleas or oaks, you know how frustrating it can be. Tiny pests, big impact. But sometimes, nature sends in backup.
A Real-World Example
One of our technicians was out treating a property and found lace bugs on an oak tree. While inspecting the branches, he also noticed a black and orange spiny insect nearby. It was a lady beetle larva.
He chose not to treat that particular tree. The lady beetles were already active and feeding, so a spray wasn’t needed. When beneficial insects are present and doing their job, the best approach is often to hold off and let nature take care of it. Spraying at that point could wipe out the very insects helping to solve the problem.
What to Know About Lady Beetles
Everyone knows the adult form. Round. Red or orange. Black spots. But the larval stage is where the magic happens. The larvae are long, spiny, and honestly kind of weird looking. But they eat like crazy. One larva can eat dozens of aphids a day.
After a short pupation stage, they become adults and continue to feed. They don’t eat as much as the larvae, but they still help keep things in check. If there’s a steady food source, they stick around.
Why It Matters
At Aspen Tree and Turf, we focus on long-term plant health, not quick fixes. That includes reducing unnecessary pesticide use and encouraging natural systems that keep your landscape balanced. Spraying every time you see a bug isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, the bugs in question are already solving the problem.
Lady beetles are harmless to people, pets, and pollinators. They don’t damage plants. They don’t bite or sting. If you care about pollinator safety and healthy trees and shrubs, these are the kinds of insects you want to see more of.
What Should You Do If You See Them?
Nothing. And that’s kind of the point. If you’re ever unsure what you’re looking at, take a photo and send it our way. Some bugs are a problem, but others are part of the solution. We’ll help you figure out which is which.
And if you ever do need a treatment, we’ll make sure it’s the right one at the right time. But when nature is already doing the work, it’s best to let it.