Having imported ladybugs into a greenhouse for the express purpose of exterminating aphids, I can tell you with certainty that they’re kinda dumb. A leaf completely coated with aphids will see 4 plucked and obliterated by mandibles, and 50 ignored, only to search for more distant prey. The buffet is right there, why are you searching for scraps beneath it?
But there’s nothing quite like seeing the little shits disappear into an organic shredder, clawing desperately, fruitlessly at survival. I fucking despise aphids.
In the summer I walked by a hedge and found a ladybug larva. Brought her home and set her on my chilis. The next day all the aphids were gone from that area. Three larva had without a doubt feasted, but it seemed the rest of the aphids fled the scene.
Ladybugs are reckless, but their larva are walking killing machines.
I discovered this the fuckin hard way, bought a container of ladybugs and distributed them along my various plants getting sapped by aphids. Next morning, only the goddamn aphids remained…
Unfortunate. Seems like you got a rowdy bunch lol. If I recall right when I unleashed them on an aphid infestation I had them in there for like 2-3 hours. Idk I’d that would make a difference or not. A lot of them did peace out pretty soon after I let them loose, but a handful stayed around for a few days.
You’ve got to do it at the right time of day too, can’t remember when the wrong time is but if you release them then they all just fly away immediately!
When you have an all you can eat free buffet with infinite food, you can afford to be picky. Why would you eat from the pile of bugs all stressed out and popping on each other? I bet the lonely aphyd eating peacefully is much more tender and juicy.
Reposting my aphid hate
Having imported ladybugs into a greenhouse for the express purpose of exterminating aphids, I can tell you with certainty that they’re kinda dumb. A leaf completely coated with aphids will see 4 plucked and obliterated by mandibles, and 50 ignored, only to search for more distant prey. The buffet is right there, why are you searching for scraps beneath it?
But there’s nothing quite like seeing the little shits disappear into an organic shredder, clawing desperately, fruitlessly at survival. I fucking despise aphids.
Counterpoint: the queen’s pet aphid in A Bugs Life was fucking adorable.
In the summer I walked by a hedge and found a ladybug larva. Brought her home and set her on my chilis. The next day all the aphids were gone from that area. Three larva had without a doubt feasted, but it seemed the rest of the aphids fled the scene.
Ladybugs are reckless, but their larva are walking killing machines.
I also am speciest against aphids. I wouldn’t let my mom remove the 4" giant house spider she found yesterday because they keep my plants clean lol.
I discovered this the fuckin hard way, bought a container of ladybugs and distributed them along my various plants getting sapped by aphids. Next morning, only the goddamn aphids remained…
Did you cool them before you released them? Lowering their body temperature helps keep them arou d and on your plants to take the little fuckers out.
Yeah, fridge for about 60 minutes. Didn’t seem to help
Unfortunate. Seems like you got a rowdy bunch lol. If I recall right when I unleashed them on an aphid infestation I had them in there for like 2-3 hours. Idk I’d that would make a difference or not. A lot of them did peace out pretty soon after I let them loose, but a handful stayed around for a few days.
Just another day in the life of a ladybug rancher 😎
You’ve got to do it at the right time of day too, can’t remember when the wrong time is but if you release them then they all just fly away immediately!
Ah sheesh. Notes for next time haha. Thanks guys
When you have an all you can eat free buffet with infinite food, you can afford to be picky. Why would you eat from the pile of bugs all stressed out and popping on each other? I bet the lonely aphyd eating peacefully is much more tender and juicy.
Get these guys. https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/Green-Lacewings-chrysoperla-beneficial-insects