Using Ladybugs for Pest Control

Ladybug and Aphids

Ladybugs are one of the few insects sold that are collected in the wild. They are a real benefit when used in your garden for pest control, primarily control of aphids. Here are some tips for caring for your new order of ladybugs.

If you order Ladybugs for spring they will be last year’s Ladybugs that have been refrigerated for release in March and April. They benefit from 1 to 2 months of cold storage because it simulates winter for them, and they depend on a natural cycle. The new crop of ladybugs usually comes in to your local nursery around June 1st. Ladybugs are sorted before shipping to check that the bugs are living. However, some losses are to be expected from shipping.

Ladybugs are probably thirsty upon release in your garden. Sprinkle the area of release with water first. Later on, they will get their moisture needs from aphids and other plant pests.

Having a large population of pests will stimulate your ladybugs to mate and lay eggs. Both the adults and ladybug larvae feed on insect pests. When food is harder to find the adults will fly off, but the eggs hatch and provide further pest control. Ladybug eggs look like tiny alligators with orange spots.  One larvae will eat around 400 medium sized aphids during it’s development stage. An adult ladybug may eat over 5000 aphids during a lifetime of about a year.

When not being used, ladybugs can be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 35 to 40 degrees F. They live off their body fat. They can be stored for 2 to 3 months. They look dead in the refrigerator, but quickly revive when warmed.You can store them and make several different releases in the spring. They need to be released early enough in the pest cycle to be effective in pest control.

You can use ladybugs outdoors or in your greenhouse. Using screens in the greenhouse will keep them from flying off. For the average home gardener’s use, 1500 ladybugs is generally enough.

Avoid using pesticides.

Ladybugs are believed to bring good luck. Sounds good! We thank our local garden center for this information: Gordon’s Garden Center.

It is never too early or too late to consider the benefits of a four season garden. We are pleased to offer our Winter Gardening Guide as a useful tool. We offer 2 bonus books with your purchase of the Winter Gardening Guide, Storing the Winter Harvest and Winter Harvest Recipes.