s.hartzog Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Has anyone ever tried combating grain or spider mites with ladybugs? Do you think ladybugs would bother roach nymphs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 They eat plant mites not grain mites. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s.hartzog Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 They eat all kinds of mites and tiny soft bodied insects. My question is more about whether or not the would be a effective solution to a mite outbreak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted March 30, 2013 Share Posted March 30, 2013 I honestly think the ladybugs would die from lack of moisture, I've raised them in captivity and they are very sensitive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s.hartzog Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 Did you raise larva or start a colony from adults? How did you keep them what where there captive requirements? I normally just dump a bunch on my rose bushes i have never tried to keep them in a tank before so i wasnt sure if it would work or not. Just curious thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 Larva to adults. I had them in a plastic tank with branches from rose bushes with aphids. I had to mist the cage daily with water. If they are not fed enough they cannibalize. I only did it once, I too now only release them outside it was hard work raising them captive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s.hartzog Posted April 1, 2013 Author Share Posted April 1, 2013 I have a couple of tubs i keep pretty moist so i thought i would try a few ladybugs to see how they do. I have only ever released them outside before and then i opened the container and dumped them out right away. I opened the ladybug tub and proceeded to tap the side to knock some out they crawled out in every direction others immediately took flight. it was far from my proudest moment and another reason against ladybugs for mite control. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted April 1, 2013 Share Posted April 1, 2013 Ladybugs here prefer aphids and scale insects. They help my Apple tree stay healthy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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