Lacewings (Chrysoperla carnea) and ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) are highly effective biological control agents used to manage pest populations without chemical intervention. These beneficial insects are voracious predators of soft-bodied pests such as aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips, providing a natural defense for gardens and agricultural operations. Acquiring these living organisms requires a specialized approach that differs significantly from purchasing standard garden supplies. This guide details the process of locating, vetting, and successfully deploying these natural pest control allies.
Identifying Reliable Purchase Sources
The most common and reliable source for procuring live beneficial insects is through Online Specialty Suppliers. These businesses, often referred to as insectaries, specialize in mass-rearing and shipping a wide variety of predators and parasites. Their primary advantage lies in guaranteed fresh shipments and a broader selection of species and life stages, providing options often unavailable through other channels. Shipping directly from the insectary ensures minimal time between harvesting and arrival, which is crucial since insect viability decreases rapidly over time.
Local Garden Centers and Nurseries also sell beneficial insects, commonly in mesh bags or small containers. The benefit is the immediacy of purchase, allowing a quick response to a sudden pest outbreak. However, stock at these local retailers can be limited in quantity and variety, and the insects may have been stored for an unknown period.
Agricultural or Farm Supply Stores represent a third channel, often catering to larger-volume needs for serious home gardeners or small-scale farms. These stores can be a convenient source, especially for bulk orders of adult ladybugs. Quality and freshness can vary greatly at these locations, depending on their turnover and storage methods.
Assessing Supplier Quality and Shipping Practices
Before placing an order, verify the supplier’s commitment to delivering a viable product, starting with a Quality Guarantee. Reputable vendors offer a live arrival assurance, promising to reship or refund the order if a significant portion of the insects arrive dead. The success of the delivery also depends on the Shipping Logistics employed by the vendor. Beneficial insects require insulated packaging, often Styrofoam liners, to maintain a stable temperature during transit. Many suppliers include a cold pack and rely on expedited shipping, such as next-day air, to minimize travel time.
Check for independent Reputation and Reviews that specifically address the quality of the live insects, not just general customer service. Look for comments confirming the insects arrived alive and active. Furthermore, some suppliers offer Sourcing Transparency, breeding their own insects in-house, which generally leads to a higher-quality product than those who simply redistribute wild-collected organisms.
Making the Right Purchasing Decision (Life Stage and Volume)
Lacewings
The selection of the insect’s life stage is a significant factor in determining the effectiveness and cost of the control program. For lacewings, the Eggs are the least expensive option and serve as an excellent preventative measure, hatching within three to ten days of release. The Larvae, often called “aphid lions,” are the most effective stage for treating an active infestation, as a single larva can consume numerous pests daily. Adult lacewings are primarily used to establish a self-sustaining population that will reproduce in the area.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are most often purchased as Adults, with the common species, Hippodamia convergens, frequently collected from hibernation sites. While they immediately begin feeding, adults are prone to flying away, especially if food sources are scarce. A more targeted option is to purchase the Larvae, which are lab-reared and will remain in the area until they pupate. Since they cannot fly, ladybug larvae provide focused predation on the release site.
Calculation of Volume is necessary for a successful release, requiring an estimate of the infested area size. For instance, lacewing eggs are commonly recommended at a rate of approximately 1,000 eggs per 2,000 square feet for a general garden application. Species Selection is also relevant, as some specialist suppliers offer different varieties of lady beetles or lacewings best suited for specific climates or pest challenges.
Receiving and Deploying Your Beneficial Insects
Upon arrival, Immediate Handling is necessary to maintain insect viability. Ladybugs, in particular, should be stored in their original container in a refrigerator, typically between 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, until release. This cold storage keeps the adults in a state of semi-hibernation, conserving their energy and preventing premature dispersal.
Preparation for Release involves ensuring the environment is conducive to the insects’ survival. Lightly misting the plants provides a necessary source of hydration for the newly released insects. The optimal time for deployment is generally in the late afternoon or early evening, as cooler temperatures and darkness discourage the insects from immediately flying away.
Lacewing Release
Release Techniques differ depending on the life stage and species. Lacewing eggs, often mixed with a carrier like rice hulls, are typically sprinkled directly onto the foliage or into the plant’s whorls where pests are concentrated. Lacewing larvae are sometimes shipped in small, compartmentalized cells and should be gently shaken onto the infested plants.
Ladybug Release
Adult ladybugs are best released at the base of the plants or directly onto the affected foliage in the evening. Releasing them at the site of a pest cluster encourages them to begin feeding immediately. For a long-term strategy, a planned series of smaller releases over several weeks is more effective than a single, large release.