---
title: "Thinking about releasing ladybugs into my screened balcony to help…"
description: "Thinking about releasing ladybugs into my screened balcony to help with a spider mite problem. Will this work? Any other suggestions appreciated 😃"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/Ktw8B5CcTlSQqDurUu87ug/4Za8VMGLSWOPt4TjGHqtig"
community: "Pets and Plants"
author: "Maggs"
published: "2024-12-01T00:38:35.704703Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/txq3ypuciydmvlx30bvu.jpg"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pets and Plants](https://getplanta.com/community/Ktw8B5CcTlSQqDurUu87ug.md)

# Thinking about releasing ladybugs into my screened balcony to help…

_Posted by Maggs on 2024-12-01_

Thinking about releasing ladybugs into my screened balcony to help with a spider mite problem. Will this work? Any other suggestions appreciated 😃

## 11 comments

### Plant lover 2000 commented on 2024-12-01

I have no clue but i think it would a cute idea

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2024-12-01

Lady bug species are better for larger mealy/scale bugs. You might look at predatory mites instead. Some species are versatile. Some hone in on 2 spotted spider mites. Also check their ideal temps

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2024-12-01

Not sure where you are. But Koppert, NaturalEnemies, Nature's Good Guys are all great places to research and/or order from. koppert is in Europe, though they have US and Canada distribution too.

#### Maggs replied on 2024-12-01

Thank you so much! I am located in Florida

#### Wolfen 🐺 replied on 2024-12-01

Oh that's a plus! Cuz most love warmer weather. Amblyseius californicus might be the best option, they also eat other pests like thrips

#### GreenGunn replied on 2024-12-15

I LOVE Koppert! I was the manager of a pesticide dept at a nursery and I pushed so hard for them to give predatory mites and fungi a try

### MattL commented on 2024-12-01

On a balcony, the ladybugs are likely to just fly away, but whether or not they eat the mites they’re lovely to have around…just don’t be disappointed if they decide they want to be somewhere else. Just make sure to follow the instructions—I think you’re supposed to provide some shelter for them (like mulch) and release them at night, which increases the chance they’ll just make themselves at home.

#### Maggs replied on 2024-12-01

Thank you!

### GreenJourneyGirl commented on 2024-12-03

Agree with @wolfen on the predator Mites, and Natures Good guys are my go to for them as well as ladybugs and any other biological needs

#### Maggs replied on 2024-12-03

Thank you!

### AnnaBanana commented on 2025-02-03

As long as you don’t have dogs or cats in the area, peppermint essential oil will keep those suckers out!! Dash it around entry ways and corners of the room. Spiders hate it.

It is toxic to furry friends as well though.

---

_Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_