Are beetles good for the garden?

[josephh]

Are these good for my garden.

100s in compost and they ate my lettuce☹️

 

[EricL]

Hello @josephh 

Black bugs in compost can be either helpful or harmful, depending on the type. If they’re small, fast-moving, and often found near decomposing material, they’re likely beetles, soldier fly larvae, or springtails all of which are beneficial decomposers that help break down organic matter. However, if they’re moving into your garden beds and feeding on young plants like lettuce, they might be sap beetles, rove beetles, or even slugs hiding beneath the compost surface.

Beneficial compost insects generally stay in the heap because they prefer decaying organic matter, not live plants. If you notice damage to your lettuce leaves, especially with small holes or ragged edges, it means something from the compost (perhaps larvae or beetles) migrated into your beds. To prevent this, make sure your compost is well-balanced and hot enough to kill off pest larvae, and avoid spreading fresh or unfinished compost around delicate seedlings. You can also introduce natural deterrents like diatomaceous earth or neem oil to protect the lettuce.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric