Ladybugs (Coccinellidae) are beneficial insects highly valued by gardeners as a natural method of pest control. These small beetles act as efficient predators, primarily targeting soft-bodied insects that damage plants, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale. A single adult ladybug can consume between 50 to 60 aphids daily, making them a powerful ally in maintaining garden health without the use of chemical sprays. Acquiring them successfully requires knowing the right sources and following specific handling protocols.
Primary Retail Sources for Ladybugs
Online suppliers specializing in beneficial insects are often the best source for bulk orders and ensuring the insects are healthy and fresh upon arrival. These specialized entomological companies typically ship the common species, the Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens), using specific packaging designed to keep the live insects cool and safe during transit. Shipping live organisms requires careful delivery logistics, often necessitating expedited shipping to minimize the time the ladybugs spend in transit. These suppliers often provide detailed instructions for storage and release, reflecting their expertise in handling live biological controls.
Local nurseries and garden centers represent another accessible source, particularly in the spring and early summer when demand is high. Purchasing from a local store offers the convenience of immediate availability, eliminating the need to manage shipping schedules. However, the stock at these local retailers is typically seasonal, and the quantity available may be limited compared to online bulk orders.
Larger hardware stores and big-box retailers also commonly carry packaged ladybugs during the peak gardening season. While convenient, these sources may offer less specialized handling or storage conditions compared to dedicated nurseries or entomological suppliers. Regardless of the source, the ladybugs purchased will be in a state of artificial dormancy, kept cool for distribution.
Receiving and Preparing Ladybugs for Release
Ladybugs are shipped in a dormant state and must be kept cool until release. Upon receiving the package, place the container inside a household refrigerator, maintaining a temperature around 40°F. This keeps them quiet and prevents them from immediately flying away.
The cooling period is also important because the ladybugs are typically dehydrated after their journey and need moisture before they become active. Before releasing them, rehydrate the insects by lightly misting the inside of the container with water. Some gardeners also offer a small amount of sugar water, which provides a quick energy boost to help them recover from transport.
The timing of the release is a major factor in retention, as ladybugs tend to disperse quickly if introduced during the heat of the day. The optimal time for release is at dusk or in the early evening, as ladybugs will not fly in the dark. This forces them to spend the night in the garden, allowing them to acclimate to the new environment and discover nearby food and water sources before they fly away the following morning.
Maximizing Ladybug Retention in Your Garden
To encourage ladybugs to stay in your garden long-term, you must provide necessary environmental factors beyond the initial pest population. A consistent source of water is necessary, as ladybugs are prone to dehydration, especially in dry or hot climates. Immediately prior to releasing them, lightly mist the foliage of the plants in the target area, providing droplets of water for them to drink.
Adult ladybugs are omnivores and rely on supplementary food sources like pollen and nectar, particularly when the pest population has been significantly reduced. Planting specific herbs and flowers can help sustain them:
- Dill
- Fennel
- Yarrow
- Sweet alyssum
These plants offer tiny, accessible flowers that provide the necessary pollen and nectar to keep the adults fed and encourage them to lay eggs in the area.
Another consideration is ensuring a continuous presence of prey, as ladybugs will migrate if their primary food source is depleted. Some gardeners use “decoy plants” to maintain a small, localized aphid population away from their most treasured plants, providing a consistent food supply. Avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides is also important, as these chemicals will indiscriminately kill the beneficial ladybugs along with the target pests.