Ladybugs are prized among gardeners for their ability to control unwanted pests in the garden. Faced with an aphid invasion on your site, you can count on the help of these insects. Attracting ladybugs and, more importantly, keeping them is easy when you know a few simple facts and tricks.
Bring from another site
You can catch ladybirds with your own hands or ask the owner of a neighboring garden. Also some shops sell them. These insects will fly away if released during the day into a dry or aphid-free garden. But they will not fly away in the dark, therefore, releasing them immediately after sunset, you can count on them to take root.
In the store, they suffer from dehydration, so the garden that was watered before they were released will become a favorable place for them.
Plant your favorite plants
The white and yellow flowers are especially attractive to these insects. They flock to sunflowers for their bright, yellow petals, as well as zinnia, which has brightly colored, round flowers. Keep in mind that the shape and size of the flowers also matter. Ladybugs prefer flat, small flowers that are easy to sit on.
In addition to pests, ladybugs also feed on pollen and nectar of certain flowers. These insects consider the pollen of dandelions, fennel, chamomile, daisy, calendula and yarrow to be extremely tasty. Some species feed on white powdery mildew, which can sometimes form on the leaves of cucumber and zucchini. Mold can damage plants, so this is another source of food for the ladybug and a bonus for the garden owner.
This insect will not remain in the garden without a constant supply of food. Consider growing cabbage, nasturtium, and radish that attract the pest. Use them as bait to keep aphids away from the plants you want to protect.
Give up chemistry
Pesticides do not distinguish between good and bad insects, they destroy everyone. If you have previously treated plants with chemicals, ladybugs will definitely not sit on them.
After you’ve attracted beneficial insects, you can encourage them by periodically feeding them a homemade liquid food solution. Mix equal proportions of water and brewer’s yeast with a little honey and spray all over the garden. Pour the solution into an aerosol can and spray it onto the surface of the plants.
Abundant watering
Ladybugs love moderate humidity. They need water to survive and will drink it directly from the surface of the plants. But you can also ensure a constant supply of water by placing shallow bowls of water throughout the garden.
Line the bottom of the dish with stones to give the beetles a place to plant. Be aware that stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure to change it regularly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Bait houses
Ladybugs need a safe, dry place to shelter from the cold and lay their eggs. You can build your own shelter for them using a few common items. Take a cardboard roll from a paper towel or toilet paper, wrap it in rope, tie a knot, and hang it from a fence or posts in your garden. Place raisins inside – it will attract bugs.
This advice should be used with caution: not only ladybugs can flock to sweetness.
You can provide safe hiding places for them by covering the ground in and around the garden with mulch or straw. This will provide many small nooks and crannies around the garden for the ladybugs to hide from predators.
