Don’t Touch These If You See Them on Your Plants

Absolutely! Here’s an informative and eye-catching article for your gardening-themed piece:

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## **Don’t Touch These If You See Them on Your Plants — They Might Be Helping More Than You Think**

If you’re a gardener or plant enthusiast, chances are you’ve done a daily check on your plants — and spotted something unusual. Maybe small bumps on stems, tiny bugs, or odd-looking clusters clinging to leaves. Your first instinct might be to grab your gloves and remove them ASAP. But wait — **some things that *look* like pests could actually be helping your garden thrive.**

Here’s the truth: **not everything on your plants is bad.** And in some cases, trying to remove them could actually hurt your garden more than help it.

Let’s break down what you *shouldn’t touch* — and why.

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### 🐞 1. **Ladybug Larvae**

At first glance, they look like tiny black-and-orange spiky aliens crawling on your plants. But these little creatures are **baby ladybugs** — and they’re **incredible aphid-killers**.

**Why you shouldn’t touch them:**
Each larva can eat **dozens of aphids a day**, making them natural pest control. Removing them means letting the real pests win.

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### 🐝 2. **Mason Bee Cocoons or Nests**

If you see mud tubes or small sealed holes near your garden or on nearby walls, don’t destroy them. These are likely mason bee homes — solitary, non-aggressive pollinators that are *essential* for plant growth.