Praying Mantis and Invertebrate Welfare in the Garden

Garden invertebrates including mantises, beetles, and spiders play vital ecological roles, and simple garden practices can dramatically improve their welfare and abundance.

Key Facts

A single garden can support hundreds of insect and spider species serving pollination and pest control functions
Pesticide use eliminates non-target invertebrates alongside intended pests
Native plant gardens support 4-20 times more invertebrate species than gardens dominated by exotic plants
Leaving dead wood, leaf litter, and hollow stems provides crucial invertebrate habitat year-round
Reducing or eliminating pesticide use improves invertebrate welfare and garden ecosystem health simultaneously

Welfare Considerations

Garden invertebrates are often overlooked welfare subjects, but their abundance and health reflect the quality of the habitat humans maintain. While invertebrate sentience remains uncertain, the precautionary principle suggests minimizing unnecessary harm, and the ecological services they provide to other animals are beyond question. A pesticide-free garden with native plants provides welfare benefits to thousands of invertebrate individuals and the birds, bats, and small mammals that depend on them for food.

What You Can Do

Eliminate or dramatically reduce pesticide use in gardens and yards
Plant native flowering species that support local invertebrate communities
Leave leaf litter, dead wood, and hollow stems for overwintering invertebrate habitat
Install insect hotels providing nesting sites for solitary bees and beneficial insects
Avoid slug pellets — use physical barriers or iron phosphate products safe for wildlife