As our community continues to recover from recent storms, find helpful resources and information at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_disasterprep, tiny.cc/saraco_disasterprep, and scgov.net/government/emergency-services/storm.

It’s that time of year again – lovingly dubbed “spooky season” by denizens of the world wide web. With Halloween right around the corner, it’s worth highlighting some of the creatures that frequently get featured in horror movies, shows, and other media. While they may have earned a reputation for being “spooky,” they should actually be welcome guests in your garden!

These bugs are beneficial, with some providing free pest management and others returning important nutrients to the soil. Instead of fearing them, try celebrating them for their helpful services!

Click on the picture of the bug you’d like to learn more about to be brought to their corresponding blog.

Spiders (Araneae)

Scorpions (Scorpiones)

Millipedes (Diplopoda)

Whip Scorpions (Uropygi)

Whip Spiders (Amblypygi)

Harvestmen (Opiliones)

Assassin Bugs (Reduviidae)

Wasps (Hymenoptera)

Antlions (Myrmeleontidae)

Earwigs (Dermaptera)

Resources

• UF/IFAS Featured Creatures: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/
• UF/IFAS Insect ID Lab: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/insectid/
• IPM Florida: https://ipm.ifas.ufl.edu/
• UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Chemicals in the Environment: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/natural-resources/chemicals-in-the-environment/

Credits

• Featured image: Cristina Carrizosa, UF/IFAS
• Photos: Credited in caption
• Graphics: Designed in Canva

5