Praying Mantis product packaging highlighting pest control benefits, requires no supplements, and lays eggs in protective oothecae.
Praying Mantis egg case container for natural pest control in gardens with cartoon illustration on label.

Praying Mantis

$40.00

6 reviews
While uncommon, order processing can take up to 7 days depending on hatching rates and life stages.
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Praying Mantis

Predator Protection. No Sprays Needed.

Praying mantises are one of nature’s most adaptable generalist predators—quiet, chemical-free pest control for gardens, greenhouses, and landscapes. Each egg case (ootheca) hatches into 50–200 hungry nymphs that immediately start hunting crickets, aphids, caterpillars, beetles, flies, and more.

You may receive either a Carolina mantis (Stagmomantis carolina), a native species, or a Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis), which has been naturalized in North America for over a century. Both are non-aggressive, highly effective, and ecologically stable in home and greenhouse settings.

Why Choose Praying Mantises?

  • Natural Hunters: Crickets, caterpillars, moths, flies, beetles, aphids, mosquitoes—they're all on the menu.

  • Self-Sustaining Control: Females lay oothecae (egg cases) with 50–200 eggs for extended protection.

  • Resilient & Adaptable: Thrive in a wide range of environments (40–104°F).

How They Work

Lifecycle:

  • Egg cases hatch after 4–6 weeks of warm temperatures (70°F+).

  • Nymphs emerge hungry and begin feeding immediately.

  • Mantises molt several times before becoming winged adults, continuing the cycle through late summer.

How Many to Use

  • Recommended Rate: 1 ootheca per 1,500 sq. ft., adjusted based on plant density and pest pressure.

Release Instructions

Indoors:

  • Keep egg cases in a warm, ventilated area (not direct sun).

  • Release nymphs within 24 hours of hatching onto nearby plants.

Outdoors:

  • Attach egg case to branches or stems, 1–2 feet above ground.

  • Choose a protected spot with light cover from rain and predators.

Pro Tips

  • Early Releases Work Best: Get ahead of the pest curve by releasing in spring or early summer.

  • Avoid Pesticides: Insecticides harm mantises—don’t spray before or after release.

Storage & Shipping

  • Refrigerate at 36–45°F to delay hatching until outdoor conditions are ideal.

  • Shipping: All egg cases are packed and shipped carefully to ensure live hatching and effective pest suppression.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
50%
(3)
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33%
(2)
17%
(1)
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M
Mariann D.

Fingers crossed! Everything came promptly, and in good condition!

J
John P.
Still waiting for the new arrivals

We're anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new garden inhabitants. No sign of any movement yet. They arrived 8 days ago, and we can't wait to release them into their new environment!

F
Frank R.
Still waiting

Been watching for about week still no babies

HI!

The mantis can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to hatch once they are released in temperatures of 70 degrees F or more. High humidity can help with the hatching. You can try lightly mist the eggs sacs with water and make sure they are in a covered shaded area (under plant foliage) and that usually does the trick. Please reach out to the team if you have any questions.

K
Kristine T.

Hatched in a couple days! Now it's up to them. So cool

Thank you! I love watching them hatch. I'm glad it happened so fast too.

A
Andrew F.
Waiting for the eggs to hatch

We are excited. Looking forward to the eggs hatching

Watching them hatch is so much fun! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of the experience.

12

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