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Thinking about releasing ladybugs into my screened balcony to help
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Maggs

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

3 Likes 11 Kommentare

11 Kommentare

  1. Plant lover 2000

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

    1 Like
  2. Wolfen đŸș

    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

    1 Like
  3. Wolfen đŸș

    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.

    1 Like
    • Maggs

      Thank you so much! I am located in Florida

      0 Likes
    • Wolfen đŸș

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

      1 Like
    • GreenGunn

      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

      1 Like
  4. MattL

    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.

    0 Likes
    • Maggs

      Thank you!

      2 Likes
  5. GreenJourneyGirl

    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

    1 Like
    • Maggs

      Thank you!

      0 Likes
  6. AnnaBanana

    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.

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