How to Use Ladybugs as Natural Pest Control for Hydroponics

In an effort to avoid using pesticides in my garden, I decided to combat an aphid infestation by releasing live ladybugs I bought on Amazon. The trick was getting them to stay in the garden!

When I told my husband I’d be releasing about 1500 ladybugs into our house to deal with an outbreak of aphids in my hydroponic garden, he was understandably apprehensive. “So you’re going to bring MORE bugs into the house?” is a pretty legitimate question in this situation.

I told him don’t worry, ladybugs are nice, and I’ll have a net over them to keep them in one place. I admitted a few may escape, but no big deal. Soon after that, I learned how hard it is to keep ladybugs contained!

Using Ladybugs for Pest Control

My Lettuce Grow Farmstand had developed a terrible aphid problem, and I didn’t want to spray the whole thing with pesticides, because the whole point of having it is so I don’t have to worry about things like pesticides!

I tried a neem oil and other natural type sprays several times and it seemed to work at first and then they’d be back. So, I read that ladybugs love to eat aphids and I always liked ladybugs, so it seemed like a really good idea to let them have a go at it.

I ordered an 8′ x 10′ mosquito net off Amazon, along with 1500 Live Ladybugs. (click the links to see the products I got on Amazon.

I then put the net over my tower (I have big 6ft one) and tried to secure the bottom part so it wasn’t totally open. I probably could have used a bigger net.

Then I opened the bag of lady bugs, stuck my arm up in the net and gave it a shake. Several dead ones landed in the bottom of the net, but a good number swarmed out and covered my hand and arm. I then proceeded to try and shake my arm and encourage them to land in the plants most affected by the aphids.

After that, I just sat back and let them do their job.

I found they really liked to congregate around the very top and around the warm lights. So at times, I’d reach in and scoop them up from the top and relocate them to the plants.

After a few days, we started seeing ladybugs everywhere. They were casually walking across the walls, the ceiling, the kitchen, they even made it all the way upstairs. And my morning routine started to include scooping up dead ladybugs from under the hydro tower.

Get Ladybugs NOT Asian Lady Beetles

I told a friend about my ladybug infestation, and she pipes up with, “Oh make sure they aren’t the kind that bite.”

WTF

Lady bugs that bite? That was a new one for me, so I had to go look it up. Asian Lady Beetles can look pretty much like regular ladybugs but are apparently more of a nuisance that can cause allergic reactions, leave stains and even damage property.

Asian lady beetles “bite” by scraping the skin they land on. And when they feel threatened, they may excrete a foul-smelling, yellow liquid from their leg joints called “reflex bleeding.” It can also happen when they are crushed. Reflex bleeding isn’t poisonous, but it can trigger minor allergic reactions.

So, guess who spent the next few hours trying to look closely at her ladybugs while freaking out about possibly having to tell her husband how she accidentally infested the house with biting Asian lady beetles off Amazon?

Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles look similar—but their size, color, and markings can help you tell the difference. Check for these key differences:

• Size matters: Asian lady beetles are slightly larger than ladybugs. They’re about 7 mm long and 5.5 mm wide.
• Check the color: Ladybugs are bright red. The coloration of invasive Asian lady beetles varies. You might see Asian lady beetles that are red, orange, or even tan.
• Spot the spots: Ladybugs always have black spots on their wing covers, also called cerci. Asian lady beetles may or may not have black spots on their wing covers. No spots means that you have an Asian lady beetle in your garden.
• Examine their shape: Ladybugs have a more round shape while Asian lady beetles tend to be oval and a little longer.
• Look for the “M:” The easiest way to tell Asian lady beetles apart from ladybugs at a glance, though, is to look for the white “M.” Asian lady beetles have a distinctive, highly visible M-shaped black marking on their otherwise-white heads. This marking varies in size, thickness, and shape, but it’s always there.

So, Did the Ladybugs Eat the Aphids?

Yes! After a week, I removed the netting and took it outside to shake the ladybugs off into my outside garden. I also took each plant out to inspect it and found them all clear of aphids. The natural pest control solution worked! I let several of the ladybugs stay on the plants inside after confirming I did get the right kind of ladybugs.

For about a month we were still finding ladybugs all of the house, but now they are all gone. The ones in the garden disappeared after a couple days, so if you are considering trying it in an outside garden, be prepared for them to relocate unless you net them in.

I recommend giving this method a try for indoor gardens if you want to avoid pesticides and don’t mind a lot of ladybugs roaming around your house!

Incorporating ladybugs into your hydroponic system is a fantastic way to maintain a healthy, pest-free environment. These beneficial insects naturally control aphid populations, ensuring your plants thrive without the need for chemical interventions.

Sometimes You May Need Something Stronger

However, if you’re dealing with a more extensive pest issue beyond what ladybugs can handle, it might be time to consider professional Pest Control services. Experts can provide tailored solutions to protect your entire garden, ensuring that your hydroponic setup remains productive and sustainable.

By combining natural methods with professional assistance, you can achieve a balanced ecosystem that supports robust plant growth.

A Little More Info About Using Ladybugs as Natural Pest Control-

They Are Natural Predators

Ladybugs are nature’s little warriors against garden pests. They have a voracious appetite for common garden pests like aphids, mites, scale insects, and thrips. Just one ladybug can consume hundreds of aphids in a single day. By releasing ladybugs into your garden, you can harness their innate predatory instincts to control pest populations without resorting to chemical pesticides.

Environmentally Friendly Solution

Ladybugs provide an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Pesticides can harm beneficial insects, pollinators, and even contaminate soil and water. Ladybugs, on the other hand, pose no threat to humans, pets, or the environment. They are a natural and sustainable solution that respects the delicate balance of nature.

Targeted Pest Control

One of the significant advantages of ladybugs as pest control agents is their ability to target specific pests. While chemical pesticides often affect a broad range of insects, including beneficial ones, ladybugs have a preference for aphids and other destructive pests. This targeted approach ensures that your garden remains healthy while minimizing collateral damage.

Utilizing ladybugs as natural pest control agents offers a multitude of benefits for your garden and the environment. By employing these lovely little creatures, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides, promote a healthier ecosystem, and maintain a thriving garden.

Ladybugs exemplify the beauty of nature’s balance and provide an opportunity to connect with the wonders of the insect world. So, next time pests invade your garden, consider inviting ladybugs to be your allies in creating a harmonious and pest-free environment.