Ladybugs on Patrol

[Alplily NH]

I have LOTS of Asian Multicolored Ladybugs in my home. So, when I noticed aphids, I gathered up some of the beetles, placed them on affected plants... and... Voila! No more aphids, and fat, happy ladybugs. Worked like a charm. How's that for organic growing?

[Rick Friesen]

I did the same thing a couple of years ago. I was over run with afids, so I colected lady bugs from outside and voila...afids gone. Then the rest of the summer I was over run in the house with the lady bugs. They were everywere, on the windows, in the corners, even in the cupboards. They enentualy die off and you will vacume them up, but finding dry crunchie beatlels everywere is pretty gross. But good luck with it.

[Alplily NH]

The beetles are already INSIDE my house, and there's no getting rid of them, so I may as well make them earn their keep! ;-)

[Rick Friesen]

Its good to know that they are atleast earning ther keep. My lady bugs didn't completely get rid of the aphids but did slow down the infestation. I now soak my orchids in dish soap, rubbing alchol and water. Over time I got completely got rid of the aphids, with no crunchy mess. I kind of liked watching the lady bugs...but I think they freaked the wife out.

[ischel1]

Its good to know that they are atleast earning ther keep. My lady bugs didn't completely get rid of the aphids but did slow down the infestation. I now soak my orchids in dish soap, rubbing alchol and water. Over time I got completely got rid of the aphids, with no crunchy mess. I kind of liked watching the lady bugs...but I think they freaked the wife out.

What is the percentage of rubbing alcohol and soap to water Rick?

[Phyrex]

That sounds like a great solution to aphids. I found a bunch yesterday and was thinking of filling up a spray bottle of End-all but this might be better.

[Gin]

I think the Asian ladybugs winter indoors , I saw some on the porch around the end of Oct. They bite if they get on you . Gin

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Great idea and a win-win for you and the ladybugs, Julie!

Cheers,
BD

[Alplily NH]

The Asian Multicolored Ladybugs are not native to the USA -- they were intentionally released by the govt as a biological pest control. In the fall, they tend to swarm together and find cozy spots to overwinter -- our homes can be particularly attractive to them. If they really annoy you, you can gently vacuum them up and release them outdoors -- they may just come right back in. There is a way to keep them dormant in your fridge over the winter to release in your garden in the spring -- instructions are available online via a Google search.

[Meg25]

You have a ladybug picnic!