Ladybirds

We are happy to offer Nature's control for Aphids/Greenfly, especially as recent surveys have indicated Ladybird populations are declining in the UK. Both Ladybird adults and their Ladybird larvae are voracious eaters and can make a real difference to greenfly infestations both under glass and outside. When ladybirds hatch into adults they may well fly away, and this will be disappointing, but Ladybirds will be doing good wherever Ladybirds are!

Adult Ladybirds lay up to 50 yellow Ladybird eggs per day under the leaves of plants and up to 1500 in their Ladybird lifetime to continue the cycle of natural pest control.

The ladybirds we supply are adalia bipunctata - the two-spotted ladybird. They are one of many native species in the UK.

Ladybirds are supplied as juveniles (larvae).The Ladybird larvae are not so pretty as the adults, but they are not so likely to fly away! They are a distinctive slate grey colour with orange markings approximately 0.5mm long, and they are even more voracious than their parents.(see photo on right)

Ladybirds should be applied when the Aphids are present on plants and the temperatures are above 10°C although best control is gained at 15-20°C. Release in early morning or late evening from May onwards until mid August by gently scattering over affected plants. Of course if you are using them in a glasshouse, you can introduce them a bit earlier. However don't introduce them before there is food about, because they will either starve, or eat each other!