As it becomes more important for many to dilute their manipulation of petro - chemical substance - based insecticides , the enjoyment of beneficial insects is becoming more far-flung . One of the most effective killers of nuisance insects that draw the nutrient out of your plants ’ foliage , leaving them seem sickly , is the commonladybug(Hippodamia convergens ) .
How Ladybugs Help
Unlike other beetles in the garden that often jaw on leaves , ladybugs actually eat many of the pest insect that cause tension on your plant . Their favorite food isaphids , but they ’ll run through other gadfly , such as mealy bug , spider mites , and sometimes the eggs of other pest beetles and borer . Depending upon the coinage of ladybug ( there are about 450 in the United States and 4,000 worldwide ) , grownup ladybugs can consume between 50 and 200 aphid per day and easily take in upwards of 5,000 - plus each over the form of their lifetime . A goodly ladybird , with ample food and body of water , can live as long as three years ; most however live much shorter lives . Be mindful of the type of ladybug you select if you are buy them , as not all ladybugs are ecumenical bird feeder . Most that are commercially available , however , are cosmopolitan predators .
These little orange , cherry-red or yellow marauder are not only effectual as adults ; their kids are effective aphid hunters , as well . Ladybug larvae can often be mistaken for a pest insect . These little alligator - attend louse are often black with orangish markings . During their larval microscope stage , ladybug progeny can consume up to 500 aphid during this developmental phase .
How To Attract Ladybugs
Herbs and Flowers
Many of the same flower and herb crops already grown by garden enthusiasts are great for attracting ladybugs and other good worm . herbaceous plant and medicinal plants , such asyarrow , fennel , deal and parsley , are outstanding at attracting ladybugs . Ornamental and colorful flowers , such as daisy , zinnias , coreopsis andsunflowerswill get the chore done , as well .
Weeds
Even weed species get in on the act . Think twice about pulling Queen Anne ’s lace and knotweed in your landscape painting , as these are havens for beneficial dirt ball species . Weed species in your lawn , such as trefoil and dandelions , are also near sources for attracting beneficials and have the added benefit of supply food for pollinators .
Shiny Surfaces
Many people have undoubtedly found some variety of ladybugs congregate around southern- or western - facing window at some point in the yr . This is because ladybugs are draw to illuminated surfaces . Garden adornments , such as gazing ball and other reflective items , can also attract ladybugs to your garden , though they will not stay long if there is no food for them .
A Water Source
verify that they have a drink water system source , as well . ladybird beetle , like every other survive thing , need H2O to drink . A birdbath , fountain or other water feature will help to attract and retain ladybugs to your garden .
A Word of Caution
Insecticidesdo not separate between good worm and pest species . Any pest control direction scheme that regard using beneficial insects can not use pesticides , constitutional or otherwise , in concert with using good dirt ball . The exception to this is if you are using an insect powder , it is unlikely to affect predatory mites . This is true whether they are beneficial or not . Mites are biologically unlike than insects ( they are link to spiders ) , and true insecticide do not work to control arachnoid .
Another consideration is that ladybugs , once issue , will likely not stay in your garden . If they are free next to areas infested with aphids , you may expect them to bung for a while , but once they have done their Book of Job , they will move on . For this grounds the use of ladybug as a pest control option is far more effective for indoor growing area , hydroponic setups and even for insect control on your houseplants .
If you do not wish to unloose all of your ladybugs at once , fortunately you’re able to put the others in stale depot for up to three month , releasing only what you need at a fourth dimension . programme on releasing about 1,500 at a sentence for a modest garden . Keep them in a refrigerator or inhuman region at about 35 to 40 degrees F to keep them live . Do n’t let them freeze .
Other “Good Guys”
As ladybugs released outside , are not prone to abide put for long , it is advisable to attempt to draw in and retain other good insects into your garden . Many of the same sources where you’re able to purchase ladybugs , either online or at your local garden center will conduct beneficial predators and parasites , such as lacewing fly , pirate bugs , predatory white Anglo-Saxon Protestant , predatory mites and even praying mantid . These tend to stick around longer than ladybug , though they are often more expensive than ladybird .
The best rule of thumb , however , is to tame diversity in the garden that attracts ladybug and other kinds of beneficials naturally without having to purchase them .
