I've been dealing with an overwhelming infestation of aphids on my lupin plants. The numbers are staggering; it feels like there are trillions! I even had to deadhead one stalk because it was completely dried out. I haven't seen a single ladybug lately, and I really wish I had taken the ones I spotted on my raspberry plant a few days ago and moved them over. Should I just buy some ladybug larvae?
3 Answers
I think the ladybugs are just waiting for the food source to build up. They tackle hundreds of aphids a day, so they’ll move in once they have enough to feast on!
Don't worry, they're on the way! I had a plant that was infested, and I found half a dozen ladybug larvae and pupae on it. They'll catch up with those aphids soon enough!
True, but they need to hurry! I've already lost a honeysuckle due to aphids sucking it dry.
I get what you mean! I had an aphid problem on my damson tree and was worried too. Three weeks ago I spotted a couple of ladybugs, and just last night, I found 25 of them along with more eggs. They’re definitely starting to help out! Just watch out, though—one bit my daughter, so they can be a little overzealous!
Oh yeah, I’ve been bitten by one before, and it was surprisingly painful! Now I always wear gloves when handling them.
Makes sense! I just hope they come soon because I really don't want to keep shaking those aphids off my plants like they’re some kind of green snow!