"Ladybugs - the best pest control"

Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds are one of the best pest controllers you can have in your garden. They eat vast amounts of aphids every day, as well as other pests that can destroy your plants.

Aphids gather in huge numbers on a plant and will not only eventually kill the plant but will also transfer disease from plant to plant.

Rather than spraying with chemical products and therefore introducing chemicals to the soil, choose a more natural way of fighting the nasties in your garden.

There are thousands of different kinds of ladybugs in the world and there will be hundreds of different types in each country they inhabit. Children love these colourful creatures and are fascinated by their colour and markings. They really are the friendliest of the insect world!

If you haven't found them in your garden, you can encourage their presence by buying a 'ladybird kit' to start you off.

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Thompson and Morgan in the UK have an interesting natural pest control - in the shape of a ladybird breeding kit!

Ladybugs at Thompson and Morgan

And in the US, you can order them LIVE!

1500 Live LadyBugs - GOOD BUGS!

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There are many plants you can grow in your garden to encourage them. They prefer 'umbrella' shaped flowering plants, such as fennel but they will also be attracted to dandelions and scented geraniums.

Ladybugs like the sun but will be attracted to watered plants as will most animal life. If you are starting your population with a kit, release them before the sun comes up in the morning or after sundown at night. Then when the sun comes up, they will explore their new surroundings and hopefully stick around! Let them go close to infested plants, so they have a food source at their doorstep.

Another way to attract them naturally is to place a few boxes of organic compost around the garden, where they may lay their eggs. These boxes will also provide protection for them during cold winter months.

Avoid spraying chemicals in your garden. Chemicals are not only detrimental to the condition of the soil, and therefore causing further problems in subsequent years, they are also a barrier against good insects in your garden. Ladybugs are particularly sensitive to non-natural surroundings, and the first sign of a spray will have them flying off in search of pastures new! And if you have sprayed your plants to kill the aphids and other pests, their food source will not be there.

Ladybugs in your garden will enhance the environment and help produce a bumper crop of whatever you are growing. They really are one of the best pest control methods in the world!

Happy Gardening!

More "Pest Control" Reading

www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/ladybugs.html