The straws should be fixed in place with tape so that the bundle does not move about in the weather. Attach these types of nesting blocks to garage sides or fences so that the galleries are horizontal, and get protection from rain and from sun during the hottest part of the day. Ground beetles, centipedes, and millipedes are carnivorous protein hunters. Smash the grubs and slugs and cutworms that you find, but leave things you cannot positively identify alone. While the earthworms do not directly help control your insect pests, it is worth mentioning that they are worth their weight in gold, when it comes to bringing nutrients to the surface, and aerating your soil.
Some spiders live underground or on the ground.
These inveterate hunters are more important to your garden than the web-spinning sheet spiders and crab spiders who prey on gnats, flies, and mosquitos. Wait a second, while digging, give them a chance to walk away. In summary, a little of this and a little of that is not enough. You must encourage your Army of Groundskeepers to grow and multiply, by providing food, habitat, and shelter all year round, if you wish to minimize the use of chemicals. Be a benevolent host to your tireless soldiers.