Beetles are insects that do not usually like much. Their shiny black bodies and thin little legs make many humans repel them. However, there are some that are very different: ladybugs.
We do not know if it is because they were one of the most beloved characters in cartoons, because of the face they have or because of how important they are for the ecosystem, but the truth is that receiving the visit of these incredible animals is as if nature was offering us a gift. Would you like to open it? 🙂
What are ladybugs like?
Our protagonists are insects called coleoptera that belong to the Cucujoidea family. They have a rounded body, with red wings with rounded black dots.. They are very small, barely 1cm in length, but they are the best allies that every gardener can have to prevent pests, since they feed mainly on aphids, but also on mites, mealybugs, or caterpillars.
As a curiosity, say that the red color of his body is not accidental. In nature, that an animal is so brightly colored is a sign that it is toxic, so that it can lead a normal life without having to worry, at least not too much. In the case of ladybugs, there are a number of animals that have become their potential enemies: birds, spiders, wasps, dragonflies and frogs. For this reason, they often hide in areas where there are many plants.
What is its life cycle?
Female ladybugs lay thousands of eggs near colonies of potential prey, which will hatch within a week. The larvae are usually black with orange and white spots, although the color will depend on the species of ladybug in question.
To become adults, they will go through 4 different phases, the first three being larvae, and the last being pupal. Life expectancy is very short, three years.
How to attract ladybugs to the garden?
Calendula officinalis
Now that we know a little more about the life of these amazing insects, what better way to attract them than to do a few things in the garden? In this way, we will save a lot of money on insecticides while taking care of our plants.
If you like the idea, follow our advice and you will see how sooner than you expect you will receive your visit:
Don't use chemicals
Chemicals, both pesticides and compost and fertilizers, not only kill insects that are not beneficial, but also those that are. Thus, It is highly advisable to avoid the use of these products and to bet on home and ecological remedies.
Plant lots of cheerful plants and flowers
Ladybugs love places full of plants, especially if they produce happy flowers, such as marigolds, the daisies, the chrysanthemums or alder them. We also advise you to plant dill, fennel and/or chamomile, since their flowers are full of pollen, which they will undoubtedly like.
Reserve a corner for native herbs
We know that normally herbs are cut, since they grow so fast that there comes a time when they cover the plants that make up the garden. But it must be borne in mind that thanks to them there are many insects that can live and develop without problems, such as ladybugs, so that It is always highly recommended to leave them a corner, or choose to plant those that you like the most.
Put some drinkers in different areas
These insects must not only eat, but also drink. To get them to come It is advisable to put some drinkers not very high, filled with fresh and clean water. Thus, it is likely that they will decide to visit you on more than one occasion, which will be very beneficial for your plants.
What do I do if I can't get them to come?
Sometimes it can happen that in the area where you are there are no ladybugs, or there are so few that they cannot be seen. If you are in this situation, don't worry. Nowadays it is easy to acquire larvae or adults in online stores or in specialized centers. They are very inexpensive: 50 larvae cost around 30 euros, and 25 adult ladybugs can cost around 24 €. As you can see, for a little money you can get a few families of these insects.
To make their stay in your garden even more pleasant, you can buy them a shelter specially designed for them, and place it in an area where there is abundant grass.
How to use them to eliminate pests?
If you have plants that are being attacked by pest insects, such as aphids, simply you have to pulverize the plant beings, leave one or two ladybugs on the leaves and wait for them to feed on the plague, thus improving the appearance of the plant.
And with this we are done. We hope this special article has been useful for you to have a healthier garden and plants.