Praying Mantis

Praying Mantises

Praying mantises are extraordinary generalist predators, providing natural and effective pest control in gardens, greenhouses, and landscapes. With their elongated bodies, triangular heads, and powerful, spiked front legs, mantises are masters of stealth. Their green, brown, or blended camouflage allows them to ambush and capture a wide range of pests, helping maintain healthy plants and balanced ecosystems.

Once released, mantises begin hunting immediately. Nymphs and adults actively prey on crickets, grasshoppers, moths, caterpillars, aphids, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, and more. Females lay egg cases containing 50–200 eggs, ensuring a sustainable pest control solution that lasts throughout the growing season. These versatile predators thrive in temperatures ranging from 40–104°F, adapting to various environments.

Why Choose Praying Mantises?

• Versatile Predators: Targets a wide range of pests across species and sizes.
• Sustainable Control: Females produce egg cases (oothecae) with 50–200 eggs, providing long-term pest reduction.
• Self-Sufficient: Nymphs and adults hunt prey without requiring supplemental feeding.
• Broad Tolerance: Effective in temperatures from 40–104°F, making them suitable for diverse climates.

How They Work

• Lifecycle:
  • Females lay oothecae in late summer or fall, which protect eggs through winter.
  • Eggs hatch in spring or early summer after 4–6 weeks of consistent temperatures above 70°F.
  • Wingless nymphs emerge, disperse, and feed immediately, molting several times before reaching adulthood.
  • Adults live for several months, preying on larger pests and continuing the cycle.
• Pest Reduction: Both nymphs and adults provide immediate and ongoing pest suppression.

How to Decide How Many You Need

• Introduction Rates: Use 1 egg case per 1,500 sq. ft., adjusting based on pest pressure, crop type, and environmental conditions.

How to Release

• Indoors:

  • Keep egg cases in a warm area, avoiding direct sunlight.
  • Eggs hatch in 4–6 weeks at temperatures of 70°F or higher.
  • Release nymphs onto plants within 24 hours of hatching to protect them from predators.

• Outdoors:

  • Attach egg cases to a twig, branch, or plant canopy, 1–2 feet above the ground.
  • Place in a sheltered area, protected from excess moisture and predators.
  • Monitor hatchlings closely, as they disperse quickly.

Pro Tips for Success

• Start Early: Begin releases in spring or early summer for the most effective pest control.
• Avoid Insecticides: Broad-spectrum or systemic insecticides can harm mantises, so avoid using them before and after release.
• Monitor Activity: Regular pest identification and crop monitoring improve success rates.

Storage and Shipping

• Storage for Consumers: Keep egg cases dormant at 36–45°F until temperatures consistently reach 70°F or higher.
• Storage for Retailers: Rotate stock weekly and refrigerate to maintain viability.
• Shipping: Praying mantis egg cases are shipped carefully to ensure live hatching and predator effectiveness.