I ordered some beneficial insects for my tropical plants, and they sent me 1500 free ladybugs! I wasn’t expecting this many. I set up a little terrarium with fruit and a wet paper towel, but I’m wondering if it’s too late in the season to release them outside. I’m in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s around 60°F during the day and mid-40s at night. I don’t want them to die, but I also don’t know if I can care for all these ladybugs over the winter!
Make sure they’re not an invasive species before you let them go outside.
Skyler said:
Make sure they’re not an invasive species before you let them go outside.
Good point. I’ll try to figure out what type they are, thanks!
Skyler said:
Make sure they’re not an invasive species before you let them go outside.
Ladybugs generally aren’t invasive in the PNW.
If they’re native, you should be able to release them. They’ll probably hibernate naturally if it’s chilly. Just make sure there are some places for them to overwinter, like logs or ladybug houses.
Lyric said:
Do you know if they’re native to your area?
I think so since I see them around, but I’ll double-check the species to be sure. Thanks for the reminder!
Lyric said:
Do you know if they’re native to your area?
They should be fine in the PNW.
I keep mine in my grow tent every winter.
Eli said:
I keep mine in my grow tent every winter.
Good idea! Maybe my sister will finally set up her greenhouse. Thanks for the suggestion!
Eli said:
I keep mine in my grow tent every winter.
Good idea! Maybe my sister will finally set up her greenhouse. Thanks for the suggestion!
Perfect for handling aphids.
Eli said:
I keep mine in my grow tent every winter.
Good idea! Maybe my sister will finally set up her greenhouse. Thanks for the suggestion!
Ladybugs are a blast in a greenhouse!
Beneficial pests? That sounds like an oxymoron!
Jaden said:
Beneficial pests? That sounds like an oxymoron!
Beneficial bugs, I guess? Basically, they eat the pests that eat my plants 
Jaden said:
Beneficial pests? That sounds like an oxymoron!
Beneficial bugs, I guess? Basically, they eat the pests that eat my plants
Beneficial insects is the term, but bugs works too.
Jaden said:
Beneficial pests? That sounds like an oxymoron!
Beneficial bugs, I guess? Basically, they eat the pests that eat my plants
Either works! Good luck with them.
We’re having similar weather here, and the ladybugs are still around my place. They should be okay outside.
Rin said:
We’re having similar weather here, and the ladybugs are still around my place. They should be okay outside.
Good to know, thank you!
Is it weird that I kinda want an aphid problem just to have more ladybugs?
Release them indoors and prepare for chaos!
I thought ladybugs ate other insects, not fruit?