Not all garden insects are created equal. Some insects, like ladybugs, can keep your plants healthy by feeding on destructive garden pests. They can help reduce the use of pesticides or other chemicals in your garden.

Convergent Lady Bettles (ladybugs with white marks on their thorax) are guardians of the garden. They eat destructive insects like aphids, mealy bugs, scale, and leaf hoppers. Both the adult beetle and larvae will feed on pests that are not too hard-shelled, too large or too fast moving.

English Gardens sells ladybugs in all locations. Pick up your bag of 150 ladybugs to start defending your garden from destructive pests. One bag should cover 150 square feet or 10 shurbs. Once you get your ladybugs home, you will release them on or near plants that have a pest problem. Follow these steps to make the most out of your ladybug release.

1. Mist your plants with water prior to releasing ladybugs. This gives them something to drink right away, helping them settle in more quickly.
2. Save your release until dusk. Ladybugs like to fly around during daylight hours and are more likely to land on and stay on plants at night.
3. Release the ladybugs near the base of plants. Consider covering them with a cardboard box for a few minutes to prevent them from immediately flying away
4. Avoid releasing ladybugs on or near plants that have been treated with insecticides.
5. For best results, release ladybugs near plants with active aphid infestations. An adult ladybug can eat 50 or more aphids a day.

For more information on using beneficial insects in your garden, visit any English Gardens location and talk with an expert.