Home»Pests - Diseases»Beneficial Insects
Often refer to as the Gardener ’s Apprentice , lady beetle are often a welcome sight around gardens and crop . These brightly - colored insects voraciously devour and rust harmful aphids that damage your fruit and veggies .
Ladybugs get laid to eat aphids . But , aphids are n’t the only meal on their menu , and not all ladybugs benefit the rest home gardener .
Understanding the different species of ladybugs , and what they prefer to eat , helps keep your garden safe .
So , what do ladybird beetle eat besides aphids ? Keep reading to discover out .
What Are Ladybugs?
Also known as the Lady Beetle , the ladybird beetle is a small but mighty omnivore , ranging in size from 1 mm to 10 mm .
Although they live on only an average of 3 to 6 week , they ’re implausibly meddling little beetles . During their short lifetimes , a single ladybeetle can lie 1,000 eggs and eat over 5,000 aphids .
Over 5,000 different species of ladybird exist . But , the seven - spot ladybug , or coccinella lady beetle , is far and away the most recognize .
Its reddish , shiny shield get off out a warning signal to predators about the noxious fluid it emits if attacked .
Ladybugs opt to lay their eggs near their favorite food source .
Not only are ladybug racy eater , but so are their larva . The alligator - shaped larvae relentlessly provender for several weeks before pupate .
While most eccentric of ladybugs favor to eat on aphids , they ’re also honest omnivores who will run through whatever is available . by from aphids , ladybird beetle are voracious aphid feeder but also consume :
They do n’t limit themselves to grownup insects . lady beetle also eat eggs and larvae including :
What Damage Do Ladybugs Cause?
All ladybugs corrode a great deal . The amount of harm they can stimulate depend much on their species - specific preferences .
loosely , most ladybird beetle native to North America have more benefit than drawback . They ’re grouped according to their food preferences :
While ladybugs might nibble on the plants in your garden , most leave vegetation alone .
But , the subfamily Epilachninae is a notable exception . Known as the vegetarian ladybug , it almost only eat vegetation , including :
Regardless of the species , lady beetle choose aphids . If you have an aphid event , you do n’t have to right away worry about the specific eccentric of lady beetle that arrive .
But , after they ’ve eradicated the pest , verify they do n’t then move on to wipe out your plant .
Asian Lady Beetle
While vegetarian ladybugs can eat your garden , they ’re seldom more of a concern than aphid .
Most native American ladybugs gain your fruits and veggies . Yet , an invading species of ladybugs call Harmonia axyridis , or the Asian noblewoman beetle , poses a unique problem .
Asian lady beetles eat aphids , so they ’re welcome in your garden , but they can beat problems if they enter your domicile .
They often put off homes with stony drop-off and endeavor to hole up inside . This usually befall in October .
A few ladybugs in your home might not sound like a heavy deal . But the Asian lady mallet emits a foul , yellow fluid that can stain your furnishings and wall .
Spotting the difference is fairly straight . Asiatic lady beetles are larger than North American 1 .
While both have red and orangish coloring , the Asian peeress mallet can also be lily-livered . Plus , the Asiatic lady mallet has four black molarity - shaped blot on its back .
have-to doe with : Are Ladybugs Safe Around Neem Oil Sprays ?
How To Control The Ladybug
If you have an aphid populations , ladybugs are an efficient , chemical substance - liberal way to remove them .
The most efficient way of life to draw suitable ladybird beetle to your yard is by planting flowers . Pollen and ambrosia draw in ladybird .
you could either toss off aphids with ladybugs or with pesticide . You ca n’t use both at the same time because you ’ll kill the ladybugs .
Related : Why And How To Use Lady Bugs In The Garden
To get disembarrass of an Asian ladybeetle infestation you have a few pick .
A simple and efficient non - chemical option is to spray a resolution of dish grievous bodily harm load with water where they congregate . It not only kills them , but it also aid clear off their yellow residue .
Another option is to identify small dish of juice or wampum water around your household . The ladybeetle will trace the scent and drown .
These effective non - chemical solutions for kill ladybugs in your menage are in force . This mean chemic option are not necessary .
