Are Ladybugs Good For Your Garden?
Many times we wonder: are there really any insects that are good for our gardens? The answer is YES! Ladybugs, aka lady beetles or ladybird beetles, are very beneficial to keep around and thrive as they are known to prey on many pesky garden insects!
Aphids are commonly known insects that feed off soft-bodied plant tissue. They not only destroy your flourishing plants, but they can also transmit viruses to the plant. This is where our little ladybug friends come into play - they LOVE Aphids - so much so that they consume hundreds a day!
Other harmful insects that ladybugs eat include: thrips, scales, white flies, and mites. These groups of insects particularly love vegetable plants.
Although most ladybugs are known to be good for the garden, there is one that can create many nuisances: the Asian lady beetle, which loves to cozy up inside homes during the winter months. They are also known for emitting foul smells & can bite humans as well as pets! But don't fret!! You can easily identify them by the "M" shaped spot on their backs.
I am sure you are wondering how to encourage the ladybug to reside in your garden. Well the answer is very simple: ladybugs not only feed off other insects but also get nourishment from pollen. Below are some great flowers & herbs that ladybugs love!
- Fennel
- Cilantro
- Chives
- Angelica
- Calendula
- Marigold
- Yarrow
- Dill
Last but not least, try to eliminate the use of insecticides. A natural option is neem oil (if used appropriately). Let ladybugs do the work for you instead!
Contact your agent today!
