Go Amber Stop

Ten or fifteen years ago, my nervous system would not have been this calm around so many creepy crawlies. 😅

Now, I slow down and watch.

The wasps are patrolling for caterpillars and aphids. The assassin bugs are quietly hunting pests I’ll probably never even notice. Once I understood what their jobs were, I stopped seeing them as something to fear and started seeing them as part of the ecosystem.

I’m still respectful of them—I definitely don’t try to handle assassin bugs, but I also don’t rush to interrupt the work they’re already doing.

Has learning something about nature ever completely changed the way you see it?

Not every red insect in your garden is a pest.

Leaf-footed bug nymphs and assassin bugs are commonly confused because, as juveniles, they look surprisingly similar. But knowing the difference can save you from accidentally getting rid of one of your garden’s best helpers.

🌱 Leaf-footed bug nymphs
• Usually found in groups
• Feed by piercing fruits, stems, and leaves
• Can damage tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables

🪲 Assassin bugs
• Usually found alone
• Hunt caterpillars, aphids, and other garden pests
• They’re beneficial predators that help keep your garden in balance

Before you reach for a spray, take a closer look. A quick ID can make all the difference.

Have you ever mistaken one for the other?