Ladybugs are often called the gardener’s friend, as the vast majority of species help us out by eating aphids and other sapsucking insects that may damage plants. The best way to attract them into the garden is to give them plenty
Ladybugs are often called the gardener’s friend, as the vast majority of species help us out by eating aphids and other sapsucking insects that may damage plants. The best way to attract them into the garden is to give them plenty to eat and a comfortable place to sleep.
Provide plenty of snacks
It stands to reason that all animals need food and water in some form or other. Though some will stay put no matter what, the majority will spend their time moving from place to place to find enough to eat. From the great wildebeest migrations, following the rains to feast on the young grass shoots that flourish, to butterflies moving from field to field looking for pollen, animals are almost always on the hunt for food.
Adult ladybirds can fly, meaning they are able to move from place to place, easily locating suitable feeding grounds. They particularly select areas with plentiful food supplies when laying their eggs, so that their young can feast once they’ve hatched.
Therefore, the best way to call ladybugs into your garden is by having plentiful pests for them to dine on. As well as a meaty meal, many ladybugs also eat a small amount of pollen, meaning that you can also plant certain flowers to attract them into your garden. These can include marigolds and sunflowers, as well as herbs such as parsley and coriander.
Avoid nasty chemicals
It stands to reason that ladybugs aren’t going to be very happy if you’re dosing your garden with insecticides. You might be aiming to kill off harmful pests, but many pesticides can’t differentiate between insects we considered beneficial and those we deem to be harmful. Some can even travel up the food chain, with birds and mammals eating the dying insects and becoming sick over time.
Even if you manage to avoid harming the ladybugs themselves, you may well just have killed off their food. While you might not like the fact that aphids are feasting on your roses, the ladybugs won’t bother visiting your garden if there isn’t some food to attract them in.
As much as possible, let nat