Long considered a symbol of good luck, ladybugs are one of the most beneficial types of insects you can find on your lawn and in your garden.
Many bugs wreak havoc on your plants, flowers, and lawn, but ladybugs are a welcome exception. These bugs are not only cute but offer many important benefits as well. Continue reading to learn more!
Types of Ladybugs
There are nearly 500 species of ladybugs native to North America, and most of them are a helpful addition to have in your yard. Also known as “lady beetles,” these insects have oval-shaped bodies that are red or orange with various black spots. The number of spots depends on the species, with seven spots being among the most common. Ladybugs act as a safe and effective form of pest control and are a valuable asset to any garden or lawn.
Harmful Ladybugs
Although ladybugs generally have a noble reputation, there is one type of species to watch out for. Asian Lady Beetles can be aggressive, bite, are harmful to animals, and leave behind a foul-smelling secretion that can stain. You can tell these ladybugs apart from native ones if you look at the black section just behind their head. A white “M”-shaped marking is a telltale sign that you’re dealing with an Asian Lady Beetle.
Benefits of Ladybugs in Your Lawn
Now that you can rest easy knowing if your ladybugs are harmful, here are a few benefits that these bugs can offer your yard and garden:
- They feed on plant-eating pests, particularly aphids, mites, mealybugs, scales, lace bugs, thrips, and whiteflies.
- They are great pollinators.
- They beautify the garden with its vibrant colors and stunning wings.
How to Attract Ladybugs to Your Yard
If you want to see more ladybugs thriving in your yard, here are a few tips to try out:
- Provide plenty to drink – Ladybugs love to hydrate, so establishing a water source might help them make a pit stop in your garden. You can set up shallow water bowls or damp paper towels that will attract the bugs without drowning them.
- Provide shelter in the form of plants – Ladybugs seek out pollen for food. Growing flowers and herbs that are pollen-laden will encourage ladybugs to take shelter. These plants include, but are not limited to:
- Angelica
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Fennel
- Geranium
- Marigold
- Sweet alyssum
- Yarrow
- Avoid using heavy-duty pesticides in the area you wish to see the ladybugs – If you want ladybugs to take shelter in your yard, avoid spraying pesticides or other chemicals in that area. This will harm and deter them from doing their job to protect your garden.
Let Summit Lawn and Pest Control HelpLadybugs are a welcome insect that will help your yard bloom. If you’re struggling with harmful insects, such as the Asian Lady Beetle, contact the experts at Summit Lawn & Pest Control for assistance. We have a passion for providing fast and affordable home lawn care and pest control services so you can focus on enjoying your yard instead of worrying about pest issues. Reach out today to schedule your free assessment and find out what we can do for you! We serve Lehi, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork, and other cities in Utah County, Utah.
