Ladybird beetles or known as Ladybugs are small but very useful to the gardeners. They are usually 10mm or less and they are the enemies of many pests like aphids. Ladybugs belongs to the family of Coccinellidae, prescribe Coleoptera. Around 5000 species of these beetles are found in North American region. They contribute a lot pertaining pest control in your garden.
The adults and larvae of ladybugs are both beneficial. They are useful for growers of vegetables, grain crops, legumes, strawberries, and tree crops. A crop that is attacked by aphids will benefit from these beetles. Some ladybugs are vigorous from late spring to early fall if food is accessible.
Most species of ladybugs use pollen as a significant element of their diet. They need these sources for them to become mature and lay eggs. The source of nectar and pollen in the garden attracts the ladybugs. You can also use artificial substitute for these sources in order to attract the ladybugs. Some gardeners plant yarrow, roses, butterfly weed, and marigold in their garden to attract ladybugs and help them eliminate insects that are harmful in your garden.
The larvae of these beetles are dark and alligator-like with three pairs of major legs. They can grow from 1mm up to 1 cm and can travel to 12cm for them to search for prey. The last larval instar remains relatively motionless before attaching itself by the abdomen to a leaf or other surface to pupate. The stage may last from 3 to 12 days depending on the temperature. After pupal stage, it will then become adults and search for prey or prepare for hibernation, depending on the accessibility of victim. It may survive for a few months to over a year.
When you conserve ladybugs, always remember their distinguishable stages. Use selective insecticides or restricted treatments to avoid killing them. Add plants that can offer goody for ladybugs. These are just some ways on how to preserve ladybugs.
When you are planning to purchase these beetles just because of huge growth of pests in your garden, determine first the size of your garden and release about 20 bugs per square feet. Confirm that these bugs you purchased are not contaminated with parasitoids because these will destroy your investment and also infect other ladybugs in your garden.
Release the ladybugs on the early evening for this is the best time for them to settle in, find food and water. If necessary, sprinkle some water around first before releasing them because they maybe thirsty from their storage.
Adult ladybugs may fly off when there is no food available. To refrain this, you can put a sugar-water root into them to temporarily turn their wings and desist from aviation. After a week, the solution wears off.
Live Ladybugs are rattling utilizable to the gardeners. They are enthusiastic for controlling pests in your garden. So never to eliminate them for they hit lots of effort to your investment. Hope that they play you favorable hazard in your garden!
Millie the authority on Ladybugs and rose gardening.