Anyone Ever Purchase Ladybugs ?

[Nyboy]

Every Spring I want to get ladybugs for pest control. Have never followed up on it, they are cheap enough. Anyone ever purchase them, did they stay or just fly away.

 

[thistlebloom]

If you don't have the pests they eat they'll move on. To encourage them to stick around you should release them in the evening in a garden you have given a little sprinkling to because they'll be thirsty.
When I worked at a nursery that sold them we told people that you can put a mix of half sugar sweetened soda (or pop for some of you )
and half water in a spray bottle and lightly mist them before release. The solution dries and keeps their wings glued down for about a week.
I never tried that, apparently the one time I bought lady bugs I had plenty of the stuff they like to eat in the garden.

 

[Smart Red]

Thank you, Thistle! Good info about the soda.

 

[Nyboy]

LOL I didn't see the " wings glued" coming, that struck me as funny!!

 

[catjac1975]

I purchased them at least 20 years ago. I had a lot for 3-4 years. I still have an abundance all thee years later. They lay eggs on a common weed so you must leave some for good reproduction. They have a beautiful purple larvae. We have a ton of praying mantis from a purchase many years ago too.

 

[ducks4you]

I have found them available at my local FS store. You should call to find out who carries them, when they are available and what advice they can give to you. My store has PLENTY of advice on whatever you wish to ask.

 

[baymule]

I had a good population at old house and had them swarm new house, trying to hibernate for winter. Crossing fingers I'll have a good population of ladybugs here.

 

[Nyboy]

Cat no worries about having weeds to lay eggs, i am a lazy weeder.

 

[catjac1975]

It is a certain weed whose name I do't remember.

 

[catjac1975]

http://www.farmerfred.com/plants_that_attract_benefi.html
None to these are the one I have in mind