Living pest control? Lady Bugs, Praying Mantis, Chameleons?

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sunnydaygal Lewisville, TX(Zone 8a) Jun 20, 2011

Hi all,

I've started my first garden this year and am having a blast. I feel like a new mommy every time something matures enough to eat. :)

I bought Lady Bugs and have released about 4 thousand of them spread out over time. I hardly ever see one though I know there's a life cycle at work. I'm considering buying some Praying Mantis but am impatient and would like for our Chameleons to come back that we've had every year. Last year we put out diatomaceous earth powder to kill fleas and ticks, etc. and never thought about our Chameleons not having anything to eat and leaving us. I finally saw one of the babies that frequent the indoors until they mature and move outside BUT I've only seen one. I'm wondering if I should buy some of the little Chameleons to repopulate our yard since we've started a garden and have more bugs around than EVER. I imagine they would eat the Lady Bugs (or maybe not). I've researched to see which ones are indigenous to our area and look like our visitors we've had in the past. Does anyone know how these three interact in a veggie garden area? Lady Bugs, Praying Mantis and Chameleons? Or if they don't, which one (or two) is the best pest control?

Anyone have any suggestions as to where I would look to find this information?

Thanks,

Deb

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themoonhowl Prairieville, LA(Zone 9a) Jun 22, 2011

Hi Deb. Here is some info for you. Remember that the drought we are in has an effect on the wildlife in our gardens also. gardens can only support just so many critters...they will move on in search of food.

http://www.organicfertilizersources.com/blog/organic-fertilizer-beyond-the-crap/green-lacewings-and-ladybugs-and-praying-mantids-oh-my

http://www.phancypages.com/newsletter/ZNewsletter2780.htm

http://www.learn2grow.com/problemsolvers/insectsanimals/insectsbeneficial/Buying%20Ladybugs.aspx

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/crops-and-gardening/good-bad-ugly-bugs.aspx

http://www.getmypestout.com/blog/?p=1006

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