Has anyone tried ladybugs for pest control?

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Diversifying the conversation a bit here, but I don't kill spiders when my kids freak out about one in the house. I catch them and move them to the garden.
I've been having more trouble with grasshoppers this year than aphids, so I was disappointed when the garden shop was out of praying mantis. Spiders - especially wolf spiders and other stalking species - and scorpions are pretty damn good about the job, but a little more pesky to people. Just watch where you put your hands when weeding.

You can go to a store and buy praying mantis, or it's a online store? I want to go to this store. Wife can wait in the car, so she doesn't freak out. lol

 

[ShadyStump]

You can go to a store and buy praying mantis, or it's a online store? I want to go to this store. Wife can wait in the car, so she doesn't freak out. lol

A local garden center had them and ladybugs in stock early in the season. Last time I was there I only saw a couple containers of ladybugs left.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

A local garden center had them and ladybugs in stock early in the season. Last time I was there I only saw a couple containers of ladybugs left.

That's pretty cool, although depending on the price I'd want to buy them all and set them free.

 

[Thatguy85]

From what I've read, the ladybugs are much more effective in their larval stage than in their imago stage. The larvae are more hungry and won't fly away. I'm always happy to see them on my plants, and I've noticed they really go after aphids. Never tried ordering them though, but here in NL they are often sold in stores as pest control along with lacewings and nematodes.

 

[sorce]

Sorce

 

[sorce]

I believe this is a lacewing larvae.






Sorce

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

I believe this is a lacewing larvae.
View attachment 445792

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Sorce

Nice! With all the beneficial bugs there shouldn't be an aphid within miles of your house.

 

[sorce]

And they share my taste in ice cream!



Sorce

 

[sorce]

Yesterday mornings pudding.



9.

Sorce

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

Yesterday mornings pudding.

View attachment 446089View attachment 446090View attachment 446091View attachment 446092View attachment 446093View attachment 446094View attachment 446095View attachment 446096View attachment 446097

9.

Sorce

Nine that you found, probably more like 90.