The main reason we have the wildlife and insect life is no chemicals. I use vinegar and salt for weeds in cracks in the patio and around the pool. I use to use aphid spray for our miniature roses so I got rid of the roses. We have praying mantis, small but still, two species of lizards, skinks, snakes, frogs, toads, I haven't seen any newts but it wouldn't surprise me, birds like crazy, etc.
I grew up in a suburb of LA and remember all the wildlife we had in the 60's. Frogs and toads every spring, lizards basking in the summer sun. All gone by the time I turned 10 because of all the poison and weed killer people were using. Hell, I even appreciate most spiders. Gophers and ground squirrels can DIE!
Just be glad you appreciate it now. It's truly amazing and brings me tons of joy and wonderment.