Pre-Fed Ladybugs - General Predator for Aphid Control

Primary Target

• Aphids, including green peach aphid, melon aphid, cotton aphid, pea aphid, potato aphid, corn leaf aphid, rose aphid, and other common aphids

Secondary Targets

May provide supplemental control, particularly when prey is readily available.

• Psyllids, including potato psyllid
• Whitefly eggs, including sweetpotato whitefly and greenhouse whitefly
• Mealybugs and scale insects (crawler stage)
• Mites, including some spider mites
• Asparagus beetle eggs and young larvae
• Insect eggs, including some moth and beetle eggs
• Very young caterpillars and other small insect larvae

Occasional / Supplemental Prey

H. convergens may consume early stages of these when encountered, especially when aphids are limited.

• Leafhoppers
• Thrips
• Small caterpillars and armyworm larvae
• Beetle larvae
• Weevil larvae
• Other small, soft-bodied insects

What Ladybugs Are

Native ladybugs have the classic dome-shaped body of the Coccinellidae family, typically 5–8mm long, with red-to-orange wing covers and black spots, though spot count and color vary more than people expect. Some individuals carry a dozen spots, others just a few, and some have no spots at all. Spot pattern alone isn't a reliable way to identify a beneficial lady beetle versus a look-alike. The native convergent lady beetle has two thin white lines on its head that "converge" toward the center of the shield-like plate behind the head.

Left: Convergent Ladybug (Hippodamia convergens). Right: European 7-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata).

How Ladybugs Work

Adults home in on aphid colonies, where they feed and lay eggs under the right conditions. The larvae are the most voracious feeding stage and are responsible for most of the aphid suppression. Adults can live for weeks to months given adequate food and water, extending aphid control. When threatened, ladybugs release a bitter-tasting, foul-smelling compound from their leg joints that deters birds and other predators from eating them.

Life Cycle & Identification

The full life cycle from egg, larva, pupa, to adult takes roughly 2–3 weeks under good conditions. Ladybug larvae look nothing like the adults. They're elongated, spiny, and often gray or black with orange markings, which surprises a lot of first-time gardeners expecting a mini version of the dome-shaped adult. After pupation, adult beetles continue feeding for several weeks and can lay eggs among aphid colonies.

When to Use Ladybugs

Ladybugs work well both preventively and reactively:

• Preventively: Release when aphids are beginning to appear, rather than waiting for a severe infestation.
• Reactively: Release at the first sign of an active infestation to knock populations back quickly.

Pairing and Compatibility

Works well alongside other natural predators to provide more complete aphid control across the growing area.

• Parasitoid wasps like A. colemani, A. ervi, and A. abdominalis can help control aphids by laying eggs inside the aphid and turning them into mummies from which their offspring will hatch.
• Green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla rufilabris) are referred to as "aphid lions" and are highly mobile generalist predators that attack aphids and other soft-bodied prey.

Safe, Sustainable Pest Management

• Natural biological control with no synthetic pesticides
• Safe around people, pets, and edible crops when used as directed
• Compatible with IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs
• No protective equipment required

Use the chart below as your starting guide. Adjust based on your specific pest species, plant type, growing environment, and infestation level. Multiple releases spaced throughout the growing season consistently outperform a single large release. 

Operating Temperature: Ladybugs are most active and feed most aggressively between 62°F–88°F. They slow below 55°F and will not fly in cold conditions. 

These rates are general guidelines. Closely monitor your plants for 7–14 days after each release and adjust frequency or quantity based on level of pest infestation and observed ladybug activity. If pest populations are not declining, consider combining with Green Lacewings for broader coverage.

• Manage ants before releasing ladybugs. Ants often protect aphids because they feed on honeydew. Reducing ant activity around aphid colonies can make it easier for ladybugs and other beneficials to reach the aphids.
• Water or mist the plant foliage right before release. Ladybugs will drink first, which helps them settle rather than fly off.
• Avoid releasing after applying any pesticide, including many "natural" ones. Check compatibility first.
• Use Beneficial Insect Netting to keep ladybugs from flying away.
• Pair ladybugs with an attractant, like Good Bug Diet, when pest levels are low, to help keep them in the area until aphids build up.

Where to Use

Ladybugs are effective anywhere soft-bodied pests are present: outdoor gardens, greenhouses, indoor grows, lawns, orchards, vineyards, container plants, rooftop gardens, and interiorscapes.

Application Methods

• Water before release. Lightly water the planting area beforehand to provide moisture and improve release conditions. Avoid heavy overhead watering immediately after release.
• Release at dusk or after dark. Ladybugs are less likely to fly away in low light, giving them time to settle in and start foraging overnight.
• Release near active pests. Place ladybugs directly at the base of affected plants or on leaves where aphids are visible, rather than scattering them broadly.
• Release in small batches across the area rather than dumping the whole container in one spot, so coverage is even.

For best results, release your ladybugs soon after delivery.

If You Can't Release Right Away

• Keep the container refrigerated at 36–45°F, in a dark spot, in the original packaging, for up to 14 days.
• Do not freeze.
• If ladybugs look dry on arrival, lightly mist the inside of the bag with water before refrigerating.
• Never leave the container in direct sun or a hot car.

Why Aren't My Ladybugs Moving?

Refrigeration slows ladybugs down and keeps them calm, so they may sit still in cold storage. Let the container sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before release.

Do ants affect how ladybugs will work for aphid control?
Yes. Ants protect aphid colonies to farm the sweet substance called honeydew from the aphids. Ants will relocate aphid colonies, or attack adult ladybugs and larvae to drive them away. It's best to treat the area for ants before releasing beneficial predators for aphid pest control.

Will neem oil or insecticidal soap hurt my ladybugs?
Yes. Neem oil or insecticidal soaps can harm ladybugs, especially larvae, if applied directly or while ladybugs are actively foraging on treated leaves. It's best to apply it several days before or after releasing ladybugs to avoid direct contact.

What's the difference between a ladybug, a ladybird, and a lady beetle?
Nothing biologically. They're all common names for the same family of beetles (Coccinellidae). "Ladybird" is more common in British English, "lady beetle" is the more scientifically neutral term entomologists tend to use, and "ladybug" is the everyday American term. Our Hippodamia convergens ladybugs go by all three.

Where can I buy ladybugs for my garden?
Right here at NaturesGoodGuys. Pre-fed ladybugs ship directly to your door in quantities sized for anything from a small backyard bed to a larger garden or greenhouse.

Are ladybugs actually native to the U.S.?
Yes. Hippodamia convergens is native to North America and can be found across most of the United States.

Will ladybugs get rid of whiteflies?
Ladybugs will feed on whitefly eggs and early-instar nymphs, but they're not a whitefly specialist the way they are with aphids. For a heavy, established whitefly infestation, pairing ladybugs with a whitefly-focused predator or parasitoid wasp will get you faster results than ladybugs alone.

Why did my ladybugs fly away?
Adult H. convergens are naturally mobile. If aphid populations are low, temperatures are unfavorable, or the area lacks suitable shelter and moisture, released adults may disperse. For best results, release near active pest populations and provide plants with adequate moisture and shelter.

STORE POLICIES

Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing your order, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund and Return Policy. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.

We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Products are sold for home use only, not commercial use.

QUALITY GUARANTEE

If your beneficial insects or other perishable products are not viable when delivered, email info@naturesgoodguys.sbs within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a description of the problem. Photos may be requested. Approved replacements ship on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

• Open your package right away and check for storage instructions. Some products need refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
• Ice packs help moderate temperature in transit and are not expected to arrive frozen.
• Some insects need time at room temperature before they become active, and many are hard to see without magnification.

SHIPPING

• Processing: 1 to 3 business days. Orders placed by 12:00 pm Pacific may process the same day, but this is not guaranteed.
• Overnight: ships Monday to Thursday, and Friday for addresses with Saturday delivery, excluding holidays.
• Second Day: ships Monday to Wednesday, and Thursday for addresses with Saturday delivery.
• USPS: ships Monday to Friday.
• We do not ship to PO boxes.

Some products are harvested on set days, and we may hold shipments during extreme weather to protect product quality. We will contact you if your order is delayed significantly.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

Please contact us within 30 minutes of placing your order to change or cancel it.

RETURNS AND REPLACEMENTS

Beneficial insects and other perishable products cannot be returned; they are covered by the Quality Guarantee above. Unopened garden supplies and tools can be returned within 30 days. Full details are in our Refund and Return Policy.

Replacements are not available for an incorrect shipping address, storage or use instructions not followed, or packages left uncollected after delivery.