Aphid Solution

I have been having a pretty significant aphid problem on my indoor plants that I can't seem to get under control and I have lots of herbs, so I didn't want to use pesticides. Thus, I decided to place an order for some ladybugs. Little did I know that so many ladybugs would survive the trip (1000 ladybugs was so many!!!! And not many died in transit!) Now, I want to create a ladybug habitat so I can stick aphid ridden plants in my contraption while not allowing ladybugs to roam my house (Needless to say it was quite an experience trying to put 'a few' at the bottom of my aphid ridden plants. Bah! They all wanted out at once and two of my hands against 700 or so ladybugs was NOT doing it). So, I am really hoping someone has some experience or ideas on what I can do to fix my ladybug dilemma. I think it is too cold to release them outside. :(

Wow. You're very brave! I've always wanted to try that solution on my outdoor containers but never thought about it for inside. Just my luck they would all fly away to someone else's garden.
What about trying some sort of screened container, like a butterfly habitat (but bigger)? That's the only idea I have for you.
Good luck!

I did some searching on the internet and decided to build a terrarium and put them in it as they like humidity. I have a picture of the final product to post when I get it uploaded :) I hope it works. I was a little concerned the ladybugs weren't doing so well yesterday, as they all congregated to the bottom, but they seem to be moving around more today so hopefully they will be ok.

You might also look into what they eat besides aphids--since you've got them trapped indoors my guess is they're going to be missing some of their usual food/water sources that they would have if they were outside.

I heard from someone that giving them raisins will keep them happy (hopefully) until spring. I soaked them for about half and hour and then cut them in half. I had to poke around in the container today, and it looks like the majority are still alive :)

The best of luck to you with your indoor ladybug ranch. You may get some advice, but I kind of doubt you're going to hear from people who have actually DONE this. Your winter is going to be over in May, I guess? If this works, I hope you'll write up your experience and post the article here at Dave's for everyone to read. It's been 5 or 6 days now, hasn't it? Have you noticed a marked drop in the aphid population?

Shouldn't the lady bugs be hibernating?

It might be nice enough late March/early April (I think I'm being optimistic here :) ) for them to go outside, but I definitely don't want to hurt them after (hopefully) keeping them all winter. I think they are significantly cutting into the aphid population, which is great :D. I've had them in their habitat since Friday, so I guess it has been 4 days now.

nanbernier - I have no idea :S I am kind of clueless haha...

Isn't it the larval stage of ladybugs that eats plant pests?

Both the ladybug larvae and the adults eat aphids... my boy pumpkin would have a blast with observing and counting the ladybugs, both in and out of the garden.

This message was edited Oct 29, 2008 7:54 AM

I have a problem with them coming into my house for their hibernation. As in "what is that smell?" or pull back a curtain and find several thousand in it's folds.

If you vacuum them up, be sure to empty the vac. ASAP as they will cause a permanent odor in it.

Good to know nanbernier! I have been finding a few dead ladybugs around, so I will be sure not to vacuum too many of them up. Good thing my house is mostly non-vacummable.

They smell, they stain, and they can bite.

And they belong outdoors. And if you buy a jillion of them and release them in your yard, they will go over your plants once and then move on to territory unknown.

If I'm not mistaken it is the imported Chinese bugs that bite rather that the domestic variety(local co-op info).
I have had success removing aphids using peroxide and water (20-50%)with a cotton q-tip swab. -*Test sparingly on delicate plants.* After removing most of the adults I use neem and cinnamon to keep the new ones at bay. I refrain from much neem indoors due to the smell. It has worked with my indoor things for some years.
I get a lot of use out of bulk cinnamon, dish soap, beer and diotom powder(which will cut soft bodied insects) inside and out. - have pretty clean and healthy plants all around.
I have never felt like I know enough about most chemicals to insure that I don't poison myself. -I'm not that good.

blkhand - Good to know. I am really scared to use chemicals on my herbs because I will probably do as you say-- poison myself!

The lady bug we al lknow and love, the red with black dots, don't bite at all! They are wonderful!

I had aphids attack my church's plants and they were at a loss. so out I went and bought lady bugs. Put them all around and they stuck for about amonth. the kids had so much fun when a ladybug would land on their hand! it was great.

your idea sounds great of building a home for them indoors. My cats of course would love it! lol

I have been successfully keeping them dormant in the fridge (my order was for about 1000 I think) and I let a few out once in awhile. The other day I was sitting at my table and noticed a ladybug was wandering about the top of the chair opposite me. I just have to be careful not to step on them when they are crawling across the floor :) They generally stick to the window where the plants are though.

Wow!! you are brave, I've always wanted to try indoors..
I have had an outdoor ladybug house for years but could never get them too stick around. They suggest spraying them with coke so they can't fly away but they always do! keep me posted!

It is terribly dry in here, so I think that is affecting my ladybug population. I have a small dish I put some rocks and water in, but the population always dwindles down so I free a few more. Unless they are going down the vents and annoying the person who lives downstairs hehe...