Attract Ladybugs to Your Garden

Ladybugs, also called ladybirds or lady beetles, are the most well known of all beneficial insects.  Ladybugs feed on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, scale insects, and other insects that are harmful to plants.  Because they feed on these pests, ladybugs are often considered the garden's best friend.

Ladybugs generally spend winters in protected hiding places such as logs, buildings, under rocks, or ground cover where many ladybugs will hibernate together.  In the spring, ladybugs become active and can often be found in gardens and fields.

You can encourage ladybugs to stay in your garden by providing ladybug houses.  Ladybug houses serve as safe havens during the winter months and provide a place for ladybugs to lay their eggs and go through metamorphosis.  In addition to providing ladybug houses, you can attract ladybugs by planting vector flowers such as angelica or dill or by allowing weeds such as dandelions, wild carrot, or yarrow.  Wheast, a combination of whey and yeast, may be sprayed on plants to attract ladybugs.  Use only selective pesticides.