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.
Both adults and larvae of this beetle are beneficial. They are helpful for growers of vegetables, grain crops, legumes, strawberries, and tree crops, however, any crop that is attacked by aphids will benefit from these beetles. Most ladybugs are active from late spring to early fall if, that is, food is available.
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.
If you plan to purchase ladybugs because of a massive growth of aphids in your garden, calculate first the size of your garden and release approximately 10 to 20 ladybugs per 100 square feet. Make sure that these bugs you purchased are not infected with parasitoids because these will destroy your investment and also infects other ladybugs in your garden.
Spread the ladybugs on the primal eve for this is the superfine instance for them to locate in, exploit content and water. If required, sprinkle some water around before releasing them because they maybe thirsty from their storage.
Fully developed ladybugs may fly off when food is harder to find. In order to avoid this, you can put a sugar-water solution into them to temporarily shut their wings and avoid from flying. After a week, the solution will wears off.
These bugs are very useful to the gardeners. They are enormous for controlling pest in your garden. So do not kill them for they have lots of contribution to your investment. These bugs may bring you good luck in your garden!
Millie the authority on Ladybugs and rose gardening.
