Time to beef up the Garden Defense Squad!

It's about that time of the year when I put my yearly order of Ladybugs (specifically Hippodamia convergens) in! (And no, they are not Asian Ladybug beetles but indeed are Hippodamia convergens LOL)

Chris and I release about 6000 to 9000 ladybugs every year for Aphid control and it's highly successful since we make it through the year without aphid issues. Every year this is an almost spiritual experience for us.

We order from https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/ and this will be our third year.

So why should you add ladybugs to your yard?

Adding ladybugs to your yard can be beneficial for several reasons:

1. Natural Pest Control: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and other soft-bodied pests that can damage plants in your yard or garden. By introducing ladybugs, you can help control these pest populations in an eco-friendly and natural way, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

2. Balanced Ecosystem: Ladybugs are part of a healthy ecosystem and contribute to the balance of beneficial insects in your yard. By attracting and supporting populations of ladybugs, you can encourage biodiversity and create a more resilient ecosystem that is less prone to pest outbreaks.

3. Pollination: While ladybugs are primarily known as predators, some species also feed on pollen and nectar. By providing a diverse range of flowering plants in your yard, you can attract ladybugs and other pollinators, helping to enhance pollination and improve fruit and seed set in your garden.

4. Educational Opportunity: Introducing ladybugs to your yard can also provide an educational opportunity, especially for children. Observing the lifecycle of ladybugs, from eggs to larvae to pupae to adults, can help teach valuable lessons about the natural world and the importance of beneficial insects in the garden.

5. Non-toxic Solution: Using ladybugs for pest control is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Ladybugs do not harm plants or other beneficial insects, making them a safe and sustainable option for controlling pests in your yard or garden.
   

Overall, adding ladybugs to your yard can help promote a healthy and thriving garden ecosystem while reducing the need for harmful pesticides. Whether you purchase ladybugs from a garden center or create a habitat to attract them naturally, these beneficial insects can play a valuable role in maintaining a balanced and resilient landscape. And trust us, releasing that many ladybugs is a spiritual experience!

Won't they fly away though?

Often, they will eventually, but here is a tip that helped us: Buy Ladybug food, dilute it with water per instructions, and spray your plants with it. Release Ladybugs at Twilight to ensure that they stick around.