How to Use Green Lacewings for Natural Pest Control

Green lacewings are a predator of aphids and a natural pest control. The larvae of the lacewings, often known as aphid lions, consume about 600 aphids over 14 to 28 days. They love warmth and humidity and are useful in greenhouses as well as to individual gardeners.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Lacewing eggs, larvae, pupae or adults
• Green lacewing food for the adult, also called honeydew

1. Realize that lacewings eat not only aphids but also spider mites, mealy bugs, leafhopper nymphs, scales, thrips, caterpillar eggs and white flies. Occasionally the green lacewing larvae consume beneficial insects like the lady beetle.
2. Order either the eggs or larvae for your garden and the pupae and adults for orchard application or row crops. When you use the green lacewing for natural pest control, use the eggs to prevent a problem and the larvae to handle an existing infestation of soft-bodied pests.
3. Purchase about 10 green lacewing eggs for each plant, two larvae or one adult for every two plants. (See Resources below.) Another way to measure is 1000 eggs per 200 square feet for medium control and less for prevention. Release three batches of larvae or eggs every two weeks for optimal results.
4. Use overnight shipping and release the green lacewings in the evening or early the following morning. Store the container in a cool area. Lacewing larvae eat each other if you don't quickly put them on plants.
5. Warn the family. Many companies ship lacewing larvae in containers with rice hulls. The larvae look a great deal like the rice. Be sure to tell the family about your plan to use lacewings for natural pest control in case they receive the shipment.
6. Purchase commercial foods for the adult lacewing and keep it near the garden so she lays her eggs there. (See Resources below.) Once the cycle begins, you will never have to buy larvae again.

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