Do ladybugs eat fleas and ticks?
It’s true! Ladybugs eat fleas and ticks!
Ladybugs are very effective at pest control, eating about 60 insects a day.
Favorite foods of ladybugs include aphids, spider mites and mealybugs. They prefer to feed on soft body’s insects including ticks and fleas. Ladybugs will also prey on the eggs of some insects, particularly the Colorado Potato Beetle and the European Corn Borer.
They also lay their own eggs among their prey so the emerging larvae can feed on the same prey. Ladybugs in both the larval and adult stages feast on these insects, devouring thousands within their lifetimes!
Whether your property’s flea population is under control or out of control, ladybugs are a beneficial beetle that is also fun to have around.
Will Ladybugs Completely Rid Your Property Of Fleas And Ticks?
No, the likelihood of ladybugs completely ridding your property of fleas is low. However, I’m all about putting multiple defenses in place against fleas. Ladybugs being one of them!
Because ladybugs can play a part in keeping fleas and ticks few and far between, I’m focused on creating a thriving population of flea and tick eating ladybugs on my property.
The trick is making them feel at home because if they don’t feel at home, they’ll leave!
How To Encourage Ladybugs To Stick Around
Ladybugs are naturally found in fields, orchards and gardens where an abundance of their favorite foods can be found.
In the Fall, ladybugs will gather in places where they will spend the winter – usually under rocks, old fallen trees and any other place sheltered from the weather.
Release ladybugs at dusk. Ladybugs will fly away almost immediately if released during the heat of the day, so wait until evening to release them.
Spray water on your plants before the release, giving them something to drink. Release the beetles at the base of plants to encourage them to crawl higher up to look for food.
As long as you have food, water and shelter, your ladybugs will happily stick around and play their part in keeping fleas and ticks at bay!
Please what kind of tree is in the header of article ?
My Mother and I would be so appreciative.
Sorry, I don’t know. It’s beautiful though!