Using Ladybugs as Natural Pest Control

I noticed a bag of creepy crawly things while shopping at a local garden center last year. My first thought, ew, but upon closer inspection I realized that this bag contained probably the least despised creature of the bug world. Ladybugs!

I already knew that ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, were helpful in controling the aphid population in your garden, I just didn’t realize you could actually purchase them at the store like a bag of chips. Who knew?!

But alas, buying bugs is completely legit. Maybe I should put that on a t-shirt-“I Buy Bugs”. I’d buy that shirt!

This was our second year releasing ladybugs into our garden and we enjoy it so much, even if it wasn’t beneficial, that we will probably do it every spring for the rest of our lives. It can be our spring tradition!

There is nothing quite like having hundreds of little ladybugs spreading all over your garden. Dropping the bag and running for your life might spare you, but be prepared to get a few ladybugs crawling on your arms and feet anyways, much to my children’s delight.

Bugs As Tools

Don’t be fooled by the ladybug’s chill reputation, they are actually ruthless killing machines, devouring their pray by the mouth full. They are kind of like the killer whales of the bug world. Ladybugs AND ladybug larvae feed on aphids and other soft bodied insects, making them a double threat!

This is so helpful to us gardeners because aphids can be a huge problem! Aphids actually suck the fluid out of your plant’s stems and leaves. This causes the plant to wilt, turn yellow and fail to thrive.

I’m always for working WITH nature, not against it. Different products can be used to manage aphids, but come on, how awesome is it to send a bunch of assassins into your garden? You will feel totally cool and score some points with your kids too!

You can use ladybugs to treat an existing aphid problem, but better yet to release them preemptively to create an environment where aphids are less likely to be able to take hold. Kind of like eating right and excercising to prevent disease rather than treating it once you already have it.

If you want to release ladybugs into your garden, here’s what you need to know.

1. You can buy ladybugs at garden centers, but it would be best to call ahead to ask because I personally have only seen them at a few stores before. They can also be purchased online-I will put a link for you down below. Ladybugs are kept in cold storage so they remain in a dormant type state. They might look like they are dead, but put them on your counter to warm up and they will start moving around in no time.

2. Ladybugs need something to drink after being in storage, so make sure to water your garden before you release them. They will be happy and wont need to leave your garden right away.

3. Ladybugs will fly away to seek shelter if you release them when it’s too hot. Spring is best, as the temperatures are cool, but warm enough for them to survive. If it is warm and sunny, release them in the early morning or late evening so they have cooler temperatures to help them get settled in. If the weather is cool and overcast, like it was for us, then daytime is fine too.

Once your ladybugs are active, take them outside to your garden, carefully cut open the bag and they will immedietly start escaping and speading around everywhere. Job complete!

Now sit back and let your little assasins work!

Enjoy!

Add your name to the email list so you get notified every time we put out a new blog post!

Also, share with your friends on facebook using the handy little facebook button.

Thanks!

~Kristin