How to Keep Ladybugs in Your Garden

You’ve ordered your ladybugs and they have arrived in a container, now how do you keep them around after you release them so they will feast on the aphids in your garden? Many people just open the box thinking the ladybugs will know where you want them, when in fact they will most likely just fly away to some other yard or garden. There are some simple steps to take to increase the number of ladybugs that will stick around for you and your garden.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladybugs

Before Releasing Ladybugs

1. Check to see if you have food (aphids) for your ladybugs.

2. Plant insect attracting plants prior to ordering ladybugs.

3. Wash off any and all insecticide, if you have previously used it in your garden, as this will kill the good bugs too.

4. Spray ladybugs with a fine mist of soda water or sugar water.

Day of Ladybug Release

5. Release ladybugs in the evening, as temperatures are cooler and usually ladybugs don't like to fly at night.

6. Follow release directions on the box after ordering ladybugs in the mail. They may have some more tips.

Tips & Warnings

• The ladybug larvae is about ½-inch long, small, flat, slim, black thing with orange spots and their legs are big for their size.
• The larvae will feed on aphids also.
• Don't kill the ladybug larvae. Learn to recognize the larvae and you will continue to have these good bugs stick around for you.