Helpful insects are nature’s built-in garden helpers. By welcoming them, you reduce pests naturally, boost pollination, and grow healthier plants with less effort. 7 Helpful Insects That Support a Healthy Garden Ladybugs – Devour aphids, mites, and scale insects. Lacewings – Their larvae are fierce predators of soft-bodied pests. Hoverflies – Excellent pollinators; larvae eat aphids. Ground Beetles – Hunt slugs, caterpillars, and soil-dwelling pests at night. Praying Mantises – Generalist predat