butterfly1

Some Jeepers are Keepers

Learn about beneficial bugs and plants for your yard

Many bugs in your garden are actually beneficial. Good bugs can provide pest control, pollination, and even esthetics (butterflies). To be sure you aren’t harming or getting rid of them, avoid using insecticides. Instead, begin attracting beneficial bugs by selecting the right type of plants for yard or garden.

First, identify your goal and the type of bug you’d like to attract. Then review the options below for the right plant for your home.

Remember, some jeepers are keepers! Check out these guides to healthy and natural Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in English and in Spanish.

Here are some of the good bugs and plants for your garden. Click any to see how they benefit your garden!

  • bee
    Bee
  • dragonfly
    Dragonfly
  • green-lacewing
    Green Lacewing
  • ground-beetle
    Ground Beetle
  • lady-bug
    Ladybug
  • spider
    Spider
  • parasitic-wasp
    Parasitic Wasp
  • praying-mantis
    Praying Mantis
  • soldier-beetle
    Soldier Beetle
  • syrphid-fly
    Syrphid Fly

Here are some of the bad bugs and plants for your garden. Click any to see how they impact your garden!

  • Buckwheat Flower
    Buckwheat
  • California Lilac
    California Lilac
  • Daisies
    Daisy
  • Dill Transparent
    Dill
  • Goldenrod
    Goldenrod
  • Marigold
    Marigold
  • Parsley
  • Mint
  • Sunflower
  • Yarrow
    Yarrow

For more information about beneficial bugs or pest control visit our partners :

Our Water Our World

Tips for Do-It-Yourselfers, and a list of local stores that provide less toxic pest control products.

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UC IPM Statewide Integrated
Pest Management Program

Check out this website to learn about alternative solutions that reduce pests in and around the home.

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UCCE Master Gardeners

Contact a Master Gardeners to get answers for gardening and pest management questions.

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