I'm new to gardening and I keep seeing recommendations for buying ladybugs to help control pests. But is it really common for people to purchase ladybugs? If they are, where can I buy them from? I'm a bit skeptical about the whole idea of buying them online, it just seems strange to me. Any advice?
3 Answers
Yep, many gardeners buy ladybugs as a natural pest control method! You can find them by searching for terms like 'biological pest control' or 'integrated pest management.' Just make sure you have a host plant with a good aphid population to support them. It's all about creating a balance!
I got mine from Green Gardener. They had a good selection, and it's pretty cool to watch them work. I once bought a box of ladybug larvae and it turned into a fascinating project for my kids as we observed their life cycle!
I tried ordering them from Amazon once because my apple tree was overrun with aphids. They were great at first but didn’t stick around long. Just be wary of other bugs or ants protecting the aphids, as that can hinder their effectiveness. But for someone living in a small garden, it might not be the best solution since they can just fly off!