“Lady Bugs”
Star-Tip 1079	Gardening Tips for successful and beautiful Landscapes and Gardens

What should I do with my live ladybugs?

Ladybugs are beneficial predators. They eat the little pests that are chewing up our gardens. Sometimes it’s a little tricky to get them to hang around our own garden, so here are some considerations:

It is recommended to release several each evening into the problem areas in your garden. They will feed during the night. By releasing the ladybugs in several batches, you will have the greatest success ridding your garden of pests.

The ladybugs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, you will notice some mortality and associated smells if you keep them refrigerated that long.

In order to increase the probability of your red & black friends sticking around, get or make for yourself a lady bug house and position it near the garden. This photo shows how simple they can be, or you can spend a little more time to make them attractive. With shelter and food, the lady beetles are sure to be happy!