Not all bugs are bad.
At One Man and a Ladybug, we’re in the business of controlling pests—but that doesn’t mean eliminating all insects. In fact, some insects are among the best natural defenses you can have against the real troublemakers. These beneficial bugs act as nature’s own pest control system, keeping harmful populations in check while maintaining the balance of your outdoor ecosystem.
So while you may want to swat away every flying creature you see, here’s why you should think twice—and maybe thank a few bugs along the way.
The Unsung Heroes of Your Garden
Beneficial insects are predators, pollinators, and decomposers. Each plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy outdoor space. For pest control specifically, predatory insects are your best friends. These natural hunters feed on aphids, mites, larvae, and other common garden pests—often before you even notice there’s a problem.
Some of the most helpful insects include:
- Ladybugs – Their larvae and adult forms feast on aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.
- Green Lacewings – Often called “aphid lions,” their larvae consume soft-bodied pests.
- Parasitic Wasps – Target caterpillars, beetle larvae, and even fly pupae.
- Ground Beetles – Feed on slugs, cutworms, and other soil-dwelling pests.
- Hoverflies – Their larvae resemble tiny maggots but are ruthless on aphids and thrips.
These insects reduce the need for chemical interventions and help protect your garden, your plants, and your local environment.
Why It Matters for Eco-Friendly Pest Control
Our mission is to provide pest control that works in harmony with nature, not against it. That’s why we use low-toxicity treatments that target problem pests without harming beneficial insects. Blanket chemical spraying may kill off mosquitoes—but it also eliminates pollinators and pest predators, disrupting the balance and making infestations more likely in the long run.
By allowing beneficial insects to thrive, we create a healthier, more resilient environment for everyone.
Creating a Bug-Friendly Backyard
Want to welcome these helpful bugs into your yard? It’s easier than you think.
Planting native flowers, avoiding chemical pesticides, and providing water sources are great ways to encourage beneficial insect activity. Choose plants that bloom at different times of the season, so there’s always a source of pollen or shelter.
You can also install insect hotels or leave small piles of leaves or bark for ground beetles and lacewings to hide. A natural garden isn’t messy—it’s smart.
When to Intervene and When to Observe
Not every insect needs to be eradicated. It’s important to know the difference between a few bugs doing their job and a full-blown infestation. Seeing a ladybug or a wasp in your garden isn’t necessarily a sign of trouble—it could mean your backyard ecosystem is doing exactly what it should.
However, if you see evidence of structural damage, persistent insect swarms, or bites inside your home, that’s when it’s time to call in a professional. We can help assess the situation and provide eco-conscious solutions that respect the good bugs while dealing with the bad.
Calgary’s Seasonal Balance
In Calgary, seasonal changes mean different pests come and go throughout the year. Spiders tend to increase in early spring, mosquitoes take over in summer, and rodents seek shelter in the fall. But beneficial insects are often active during those same times, playing a critical role in prevention.
For example, encouraging ladybugs in the spring can help control aphid populations before they become overwhelming. Creating a pollinator-friendly yard in summer can reduce your reliance on chemical repellents. And ground beetles active in autumn may reduce the need for soil-based pest treatments.
The One Man and a Ladybug Difference
Our job isn’t just to get rid of pests—it’s to help Calgary homeowners and businesses maintain safe, healthy, and balanced environments. That includes protecting the beneficial insects that naturally support your property’s ecosystem.
With every treatment, we make informed decisions that prioritize long-term results, environmental responsibility, and harmony with nature. Whether we’re applying targeted mosquito control or inspecting for rodent entry points, we do so with the full ecosystem in mind.
Because real pest control means controlling the problem, not the planet.
