Aphids are always an issue in the spring around here. So my human decided to get some ladybugs to release in the garden. Of course, I helped.
They are supposed to be released in the evening. And while it still looks light out, technically it is evening here, since it is right before my dinnertime. Also, I couldn’t help if my human waited for it to get any darker because I’m not allowed out when predators like coyotes are most active (and maybe the bear).
They had been in the fridge for a couple of hours so they were sluggish at first. But once my human opened up the container, they woke up pretty fast!
They were ready to go out hunting for their next meal!
My human shook some out onto my catnip plants. She saved the rest of them to put on the rose bushes.
I will be honest, after a while I got bored with the ladybugs, even though my human was enjoying them.
They were getting on everything including me.
In case you are wondering if I wanted to eat any of these guys, the answer is no! They are nasty. I gather they taste bad on purpose so they don’t get eaten. Well, it worked here.
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How interesting. I didn’t know you could buy ladybugs for your yard. You are such a good helper, Summer.
TBT: Yes this is WAY belated but I had to reply. I’ve bought and released ladybugs in the past. It works for a while, and I’ve been glad of that. I keep the yard organic, so they like that. Some years, they have done so well that I’ve seen ladybug larvae crawling around and THEY are the better aphid-eaters.
But it has been a few years. Neem oil spray (organic) works faster and is better for serious problems. Rinsed off a day later, the aphids are gone. And it is (supposedly) harmless to people, pets, and beneficial insects. But that is mostly for small-area inside problems.
I think I will get more ladybugs when my plants are up and growing. Thank you for reminding me of them.
Absoolootley pawsum werk Summer an Miss “J”…
Wee wundered how youss’ gotted Ladybuggiess an why…furry kewl idea!
An they can sleep inn a fridge?? Wee are so amazed. An wee are thanx full wee leerned sumthin mew today two!
***purrss*** BellaDharma an ((huggiess)) LadyMew
We had no idea humans could buy ladybugs for their gardens! We learned something new today.
Ladybugs are so pretty – my Mom loves to see them – we used to have them inside the house on the inside of the windows but for some reason not in some years. They make my Mom smile so that’s the main reason I like them!
Hugs, Teddy
I love lady bugs. One of my favorites
I knew about the aphid thing. My mom was quite the gardener. I’ve dabbled when I had a home. I had flowers and veggies. Now I’m alone im an apartment. Have a small mostly perennial garden.
Let us hope that there will be a lot less aphid damage to your garden p,ants this season,Summer.
In some cultures, Ladybugs are good luck!
I was afraid they’d get on you. If you didn’t eat any, how do you know they taste nasty? Sometimes I see them on our screens.
That’s so cool that you and your human released those ladybugs to help in your garden, Summer. We are glad you did not eat them!
What a great thing you Mom did! Our Mom spays soapy water on the roses to stop the aphids. as we live right on the river, we don’t use any herbicides, pesticides and very little fertilizer. And Summer, my favorite picture of you is the one with the lady bug on your head!
How very fun! We love ladybugs here (we don’t try to eat them either). Bravo to your human for using a completely natural solution for the aphids.
P.S. We’ve never had one land on us although we might like it!
What a fun project for you two!
That is a great idea. I need to tell my hubby he should order some as we get aphids in the garden and he uses icky spray.
That looked like fun! I like ladybugs too. I didn’t realize you could buy them.
Well it did look like a fun activity sweet Summer and we’re glad one of you enjoyed it!
Excellent idea for your nip. Looks like there were a lot
of the ladybugs in the container. Maybe they will multiply
this year and next year you will have lots of them.
Summer Samba: Aphids really suck, literally. Buying the ladybugs and releasing onto target plants is great idea, and safe for all involved. There’s another bug which resembles ladybug, but is actually harmful.
https://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/blog/asian-beetle-vs-ladybug/#:~:text=Ladybugs%20look%20very%20similar%20to%20another%20insect%20from,and%20how%20to%20avoid%20infestations%20of%20beetle%20pests.
How cool that your got to release those ladybugs. We MOL’d at the one on your head!
The Florida Furkids
Ladybugs are pretty cool. And good pest controllers. Do you know there are people who release ladybugs in their homes to control pests on their house plants??
Summer…you are the supervisor of choice. Be proud!
How did you know they are nasty Summer? Just by the looks or smell 😉
As long as they protect your catnip they are OK!!
Mum did not know you could buy ladybugs , but then she never went looking in the garden centre.
Purrs, Julie
How lovely to be part of a ladybug release! We always love seeing them in our garden and the fields around the house.
Purrs,
Tama and Benny
That was a cheeky ladybug sitting on your head! I hope they work hard and keep those nasty aphids away.