Anyone Ever Purchase Ladybugs ?

[Nyboy]

Cat thanks for that link, i saved it.

 

[thistlebloom]

I have observed ladybug eggs and larvae on lots of different plants in my garden. They may be attracted to a certain weed (and sorry, I haven't looked at the link yet) but it seems where they are finding their food source is where they lay their eggs. One of my apples had a huge aphid population last summer and there were thousands of ladybug eggs on the back of the leaves. Which was weird because the apple tree next to it only had a handful. [of aphids, to clarify]

Ladybugs aren't just insectivores, they also eat pollen, so if you plant a lot of flowers that are heavy pollen producers that would attract them too.

 

[Nyboy]

@catjac1975 where praying mantis eggs hard to hatch ?

 

[catjac1975]

You just put them out in a covered area and they hatch on there own. I find eggs all fall and spring and relocate them if they are in a bad spot. They are usually attached to a twig on a shrub or often on my wire fencing. I bet I found 20 with out trying last fall.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

I did at our last place. Hoodat on this forum told me that in my area, they migrate. He's right! I do hope they come back this spring/summer.

 

[catjac1975]

I think the leave if the food supply is low. I have lots still from one purchase many years ago.

 

[Nyboy]

I am going to try them, will wait till midsummer when there is a large food supply.

 

[thistlebloom]

You can buy green lace wings too, they're a good predator of mites and aphids and even some caterpillars.

Here's something I just learned! Green lacewings are also good pollinators. I see them in the summer gathered under the porch light.

 

[Nyboy]

ebay has packages of live ladybugs and lacewing eggs under $15 with free shipping.

 

[Rhodie Ranch]

just looked at ebay. Nothing under 15.

Wonder what time of year do we put the eggs out? I have white flies on my fuchsia and aphids on my snow peas.