OLD CROW WOODCRAFTS
Hiking Staffs, Bird Houses, Bat Houses and more handcrafted on the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee
Ladybug Houses
Of the 4,000 different types of ladybugs found around the world almost 450 of them live in North America
Ladybugs are predators. Their favorite food is aphids. During its life a single ladybug may eat as many as 5,000 aphids. Ladybugs and their larvae also eat mites, small insects and insect eggs. The more common species of ladybugs usually produce two generations every year with the adults living from a couple months to over a year.
Ladybugs tend to spread their wings and move on once the easily accessible prey is eaten. Even so, their big appetite means, under the right conditions, ladybugs can play a role in aphid control.
Ladybugs have been reported to eat up 50 aphids a day. They also feed on other pest species such as scale insects, white flies and mealy bugs. Many people that encourage ladybugs to live in their gardens. You may not think that an animal that small is such a fierce predator but they are!
Although ladybugs are predators many of them also eat a bit of pollen and nectar. So people who want to attract them to their yard should look at planting flowers or providing an artificial substitute in the yard. Ladybugs can also be collected from other areas and moved to your yard. If you are collecting them be sure to handle them gently and release groups of them at the base of plants. The best time for release is early morning or early evening after a rain or a watering.
Ladybugs also like a place to shelter. You can provide that by putting a ladybug house or houses in your yard.
Lady bug houses on sale
Lady Bug House
Size 5 X 3 X 6 inches
$8.00
Lady Bug House
Size 5 X 5 1/2 X 7 inches
$10.00