Pests That Ladybugs Target
Ladybugs are effective predators of a variety of soft-bodied insect pests, including:
Primary Pests Ladybugs Target
- Aphids – The primary food source for ladybugs; each adult can eat up to 50 per day
- Mealybugs – They feed on small, soft-bodied mealybugs but may not eliminate large infestations alone
- Scale Insects (Soft Scale Only) – Ladybugs target young, soft-bodied scale crawlers
- Thrips – They consume small thrips but are not as effective as predatory mites for thrips control
- Whiteflies (Eggs & Larvae) – Ladybugs eat early-stage whiteflies, but other predators may be needed for full control
Other Pests They May Eat
- Spider Mites – Occasionally consumed, but predatory mites are more effective
- Leafhoppers (Nymphs) – Young, soft-bodied leafhoppers are fair game
- Psyllids – They will eat the early life stages of psyllids
- Small Caterpillars & Insect Eggs – Some ladybug species consume soft caterpillars and insect eggs
Pests Ladybugs Do NOT Target
Ladybugs are not effective against:
- Hard scale insects (adults)
- Root-dwelling pests (fungus gnat larvae, root aphids)
- Adult thrips and whiteflies (which can fly away)
- Large caterpillars or beetle larvae
Why Ladybugs?
These tiny warriors are one of the most efficient natural predators in pest control. Each ladybug can consume up to 50 aphids per day and continues to feast on mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, and whiteflies. They are a chemical-free alternative to pesticides and integrate seamlessly into any biological pest control strategy.
Ideal For:
- Houseplant Collectors (From Beginners to Rare Plant Enthusiasts)
- Greenhouse Growers & Commercial Growers
- Home Gardeners & Urban Farmers
Beginner? Start Here!
If you’re new to predatory insects, ladybugs are an easy way to start with natural pest control. Just release them at night in a humid environment, and they’ll get to work immediately. No special care needed!
How to Use:
- Lightly mist plants before release.
- Open the container at dusk near an infested area.
- Watch them work—no further intervention required!
💡 Pro Tip: Provide a food source like predatory mite supplement diet to keep them around longer.
Advanced Growers: Boost Your IPM Strategy
For those already familiar with integrated pest management (IPM), ladybugs are a valuable addition to a multi-tiered pest control strategy. Pair them with:
- Amblyseius swirskii for thrips and whitefly control
- Neoseiulus californicus for spider mites
- Stratiolaelaps scimitus (H. miles) for soil-dwelling pests
Ladybugs serve as an effective rapid-response team—especially when you need a natural knockdown of pest populations.
Why Ladybugs?
These tiny warriors are one of the most efficient natural predators in pest control. Each ladybug can consume up to 50 aphids per day and continues to feast on mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, and whiteflies. They are a chemical-free alternative to pesticides and integrate seamlessly into any biological pest control strategy.
Ideal For:
- Houseplant Collectors (From Beginners to Rare Plant Enthusiasts)
- Greenhouse Growers & Commercial Growers
- Home Gardeners & Urban Farmers
Beginner? Start Here!
If you’re new to predatory insects, ladybugs are an easy way to start with natural pest control. Just release them at night in a humid environment, and they’ll get to work immediately. No special care needed!
How to Use:
- Lightly mist plants before release.
- Open the container at dusk near an infested area.
- Watch them work—no further intervention required!
💡 Pro Tip: Provide a food source like predatory mite supplement diet to keep them around longer.
Advanced Growers: Boost Your IPM Strategy
For those already familiar with integrated pest management (IPM), ladybugs are a valuable addition to a multi-tiered pest control strategy. Pair them with:
- Amblyseius swirskii for thrips and whitefly control
- Neoseiulus californicus for spider mites
- Stratiolaelaps scimitus (H. miles) for soil-dwelling pests
Ladybugs serve as an effective rapid-response team—especially when you need a natural knockdown of pest populations.
Arrives Dormant
They may look dead when you get them, but give them a few minutes to warm up and wake up, and sure enough you'll have a bag full of hungry ladybugs.
Store Up to 2 Weeks
If you can't use them right away, store them for up to 2 weeks in your refrigerator.
How Many Do You Need?
The number of ladybugs needed depends on the size of your space and pest severity.
Recommended Release Rates
- Houseplants & Small Indoor Setups: 10–20 ladybugs per plant
- Grow Tents & Greenhouses: 1,500 ladybugs per 1,000 square feet
- Outdoor Gardens & Landscapes: 5,000+ ladybugs per 5,000 square feet
- Severe Infestations: Start with double the recommended amount and release in multiple waves over several days for better retention
Frequently Asked Questions
How do ladybugs control pests?
Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and soft-bodied mites. Each adult can eat up to 50 aphids per day, significantly reducing pest populations without chemicals.
Will ladybugs fly away after release?
Some will, but you can increase retention by releasing them at dusk and lightly misting plants beforehand to encourage them to stay and feed. If a food source is available, they are more likely to remain in your growing space.
How long do ladybugs live?
Most live for a few weeks after release, depending on food availability and environmental conditions. If conditions are ideal, they may reproduce, providing ongoing pest control.
Can I store ladybugs if I’m not ready to release them?
Yes. Keep them in the refrigerator (not the freezer) at 35–50°F (1–10°C) to extend their lifespan for up to two weeks.
Do ladybugs work for spider mites?
Ladybugs may consume some soft-bodied mites, but they are not the best option for controlling spider mites. Predatory mites (like Neoseiulus californicus or Phytoseiulus persimilis) are much more effective for spider mite infestations.
What are predatory mites, and how do they work?
Predatory mites are microscopic, beneficial mites that feed on spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats, and other plant pests. Unlike ladybugs, they specialize in targeting pests at all life stages, making them an excellent long-term solution.
Can I use ladybugs and predatory mites together?
Yes,especially if they target different pests or if you're not certain if there are other pests beyond the ones you know about.
Mite Matters
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How to Treat Snake Mites Naturally with Predatory Mites
The Beginner's Guide to Predatory Mites
Predatory mites are the unsung heroes of plant care, working behind the scenes to protect your plants from destructive pests. Unlike chemical treatments, they offer a natural, self-sustaining solution that requires minimal effort on your part. Whether you’re preventing an infestation or fighting off an active one, these microscopic allies get the job done efficiently and effectively.