Pest or Pal? The Beneficial Bugs Quiz
For those of us who get the creepy-crawlies at the sight of insects, it’s easy to label all bugs as bad. However, not all of these tiny critters are actually pests to your garden—in fact, some are even beneficial! How well do you know your pests and pals? Let’s find out!
Ladybug
Don’t let their adorable size and cute polka-dot patterns fool you, ladybugs are amongst the fiercest predators in your garden! They’re one of the best beneficial bugs to have around, as they prey on common plant-eating pests.
Pest
Pal
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are easily identified by the white, cotton-like residue they leave behind. These garden pests hide in the nooks and crannies of plants’ stems and underneath leaves, sucking the moisture and nutrients right out of them.
Pest
Pal
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are garden pests that munch on plant material, like leaves and flowers, from the outside in—leaving only the veins behind. What makes them so harmful is their hard outer shells that allow them to resist many pesticides.
Pest
Pal
Lacewings
During their larval stage, lacewings feed on all sorts of common garden pests. In fact, lacewings are often introduced to pest-infested gardens as a means of natural pest control! Although adult lacewings might look a little scary, they’re harmless to humans and won’t bite.
Pest
Pal
Aphids
Aphids are small but mighty pests that suck the juices right out of plants, causing them to wilt and eventually die. On top of that, they also secrete substances that promote fungal growth and attract ants. Aphids adapt easily, reproduce quickly, and can do a lot of damage if they’re not properly controlled, but ladybugs eat them right up!
Pest
Pal
Praying Mantis
Not only are they neat to examine and observe, but Praying Mantis are great for controlling some larger pests in your garden, like moths and crickets. Their unique shape makes them exceptional hunters!
Pest
Pal
Mason Bees
Ever since the ‘Save the Bees’ movement came into the spotlight, many people have gained an understanding of their importance for pollination and supporting our ecosystem. What makes Mason Bees particularly important is that, unlike Honeybees, they’re solitary bees who dedicate their lives to pollinating, and are MUCH more efficient at it.
Pest
Pal
Scale Insects
Although they’re commonly found on houseplants, scale insects can also burden fruit trees and many ornamental shrubs and trees. Presenting as immobile, soft or hard bumps on stems and leaves, sap-sucking scale insects can be hard to identify. However, you’ll definitely notice the damage when plants begin to weaken, turn yellow, and drop leaves.
Pest
Pal
Mosquito
Ok, this one might have tricked you. When you’re covered in itchy fly bites, it’s hard to admit that mosquitoes can be a beneficial presence in your yard! Although we could do with less of the females (they’re the ones who bite), male mosquitoes actually don’t bother humans and are important pollinators. Plus, they serve as a food source for other beneficial insects, as well as the local birds.
Pest
Pal
Slugs
Despite their slow movement, slugs can do quite a lot of damage. Not only do they feed on leaves and stems, but they also spread disease from plant to plant.
Pest
Pal
Low Houseplant IQ
Knowing the difference between good and bad bugs is tricky, but you’re off to a good start! We hope you learned something new from our quiz.
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
You may not be a full-fledged entomologist, but you’ve got a good grasp on what bugs to encourage, and what ones to watch out for!
You got {number correct}/{number of questions} correct answers
You’ve clearly done your research on both the good and the bad bugs, and you’ve got a good understanding of how to control insect populations! Great job!