Several hundred ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) were set free in our school courtyard last week. We’re hoping to prevent infestations of aphids and other pests.
We also want to avoid the use of chemical pesticides, some of which are being implicated in the disappearance of pollinating honeybees. When chemicals are used to kill bugs, you may never know what helpful insects you're killing in the process.
1500 ladybugs cost about $35 from this supplier.
It’s important to wait until leaves are beginning to appear on the trees so that the ladybugs have a place to hide, and that pest insects are present to provide food.
Ladybugs can be kept 2 weeks or more before releasing, as long as they’re in the refridgerator. The release area should be sprinkled with water, since the ladybugs will be thirsty for a drink when they’re released.
They should be spread out around the garden, applied directly to plants. So that each child in our gardening class had a few of their own to release, we put a dozen or so in several small paper cups.
Have you heard of the Lost Ladybug Project? Ladybugs that used to be common have become extremely rare, and scientists are working hard to determine why and whether it will have an effect on keeping plant-damaging insect populations under control. They’re asking folks to photo and document the ladybugs they find (naturally occurring only, please!) and log them on their website. Read more here.
8 comments:
I bet all of the kids just so enjoyed the ladybug release. What a treat for them!
I applaud this post very much simply love it. I won't mind buying these ladybugs instead of chemicals which is like poison to our body and environment.
I love the photos, JGH. The kids look so enchanted with the ladybugs.
I contributed to the project last year (thank you so much for the head's up) and I'm contributing again this year. I've only seen one ladybug so far when clearing out the garden beds last week, but they're probably hiding somewhere right now because we've been having snow - still!! - off/on. Gosh, but I wish the temps would level out and spring would really appear!
I have released ladybugs to control squash bugs in my garden. What a great project for kids!
We used these in the greenhouse and they did some serious aphid munching but it wasn't 100% control and eventually the aphids repopulated. Ladybugs actually found ways to leave the greenhouse. Hopefully your lady's will stick around.
This is a great way to teach children about the importance of Ladybugs! I don’t know anyone who does not love a ladybug though. We have them in our gardens and they put a smile on my face every time I see them…
What a great way to teach the kids. The neat thing is, they'll remember this event when they're older. It may serve as their inspiration to become a gardener!
What a nice idea. I didn't know that you could BUY Ladybirds. But then you can buy Encarsia wasps, Nematodes, worms etc, so why not Ladybirds? Do you get any of the other-coloured ones in your garden? We are getting Ladybirds in all sorts of different colour schemes these days.
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