How to Raise Lady Bugs

Ladybugs are beloved by children around the world---and also by gardeners of all ages. With their brightly colored and cheerfully dotted bodies, these beetles are quite possibly the most famous of all beneficial insects. Both adults and their larvae feed on many soft-bodied insects with the pesky and destructive aphids being their favorite food source. Raising your own ladybugs is rather simple and can be rewarding as a hobby and as a natural aphid extermination team.

Things You'll Need

• Pair of soft forceps
• Aquarium or jar with air holes punched in lid
• Live or dead aphids
• Cotton
• Grapes, cut up
• Raisins
• Water

Instructions

1. Collect ladybug beetles, both as larvae and adults, from their natural habitats during the spring and summer months. Look for plants already infested with aphids, including those in forests, fields, prairie, gardens and even in homes or storage facilities. You can also purchase adult beetles and the larvae from suppliers or from your local nursery.

2. House your ladybugs in a recycled jar or in an aquarium with ventilation and a lid that fits snugly. You can also store the ladybugs in your refrigerator for several weeks, as long as you take them out to stretch their tiny legs and provide new fresh water every few days.

3. Feed your ladybugs heartily and often. A tiny ladybug larvae can eat at least 25 aphids a day; adults can eat more than 50. It's no wonder that these little beetles are favorites in the garden. Ladybug larvae and adults eat aphids, as well as mealybugs and mites. Please note that when beetles are purchased or gathered in the fall, they often will not eat much or any at all. This is because they are preparing for winter.

4. Substitute moist cotton and cut grapes or raisins that have been soaked in water until puffed and soft, if you find you don't have enough of their favored aphids for them to satisfy their appetites. Also, note that some species will eat frozen aphids or artificial foods.

5. Handle your ladybugs gently with a pair of forceps or with your fingers. Conversely, larvae should not be handled unless absolutely necessary and should be only touched with a small, soft brush.

References

• Rearing Ladybugs
• Ladybug Facts