Ladybug larvae for aphid control
Ladybug larvae eat many aphids each day. This makes them the ideal agent for aphid control. Our ladybug larvae are delivered to you very small. They will remain in their larval stages for two to three weeks before pupating. During this time, they will continuously eat aphids. Because they still have a lot of growing to do, ladybug larvae actually eat more aphids than adult ladybugs. If you release enough ladybug larvae, you can eliminate aphids entirely with one treatment.
Ladybugs help nature
By releasing Rootsum ladybugs, you also help nature. Adalia bipunctata, the native European species of ladybug that we sell, is listed as "vulnerable" on the red list in Flanders.
Where to use ladybug larvae?
Ladybug larvae can be used anywhere, indoors or out. They can easily control aphids on roses, hedges, vegetables outdoors or in greenhouses, orchards, etc. They are also useful for eliminating aphid infestations in your houseplants.
When used in houseplants, it is unlikely that you will see more than a couple of adult ladybugs, if any, after the treatment is over.
Biology of the ladybug
The life span of the larvae depends on the climatic conditions and the presence of food. The life span is about 20 days at a temperature of about 20°C. They eat a lot of aphids mainly during the second and third larval stages. Once they have reached the fourth larval stage, the larvae stop eating and pupate. During the pupal stage, which lasts 8 days at 20°C, the ladybug stops eating and remains inactive on the plant's leaves. Be careful: it is not dead! Finally, the adult insects appear, tearing the cocoon. During the months of September and October, they look for their overwintering place. The Adalia bipunctata prefers, like many other ladybugs, house facades, window frames or cracks in the bark of trees on the sunny side.
How many larvae to use?
The most effective number to use is 10 to 25 larvae per m² of infested plants. If we express it more specifically by area of application, we get the following:
- Trees
- Stem diameter 0 - 10 cm = 50 larvae
- Stem diameter 10 - 20 cm = 100 larvae
- Stem diameter 20 - 50 cm = 250 larvae
- Stem diameter >50 cm = 500 larvae
- Roses and flowering plants
- 3 to 5 larvae per flowering branch
- 6 to 10 larvae per rose bush up to 75 cm
- Hedges
- Count 20 larvae per running meter. Double the rate in case of heavy infestation.
- For larger areas, Chrysopa larvae of Chrysopidae are preferable. For large areas, this is a cheaper product that is just as effective in controlling aphids.
- Vegetable garden
- 2 to 5 larvae per plant.
In case of heavy infestation or in the case of a shrub of more than 75 cm, double the number of larvae to release.
Not sure how many larvae to use? Contact us! Send us a picture of the infestation and/or the plant, because if the dose is too low, the ladybug larvae will not win the battle against the aphids.
Ants and ladybug larvae
In the fight against aphids, it is important to eliminate ants as much as possible. You can use Mier-run (ant nematodes) or glue strips in the trees.
Glue strips should be installed very early in the season, before the ants get into the trees. If the ants are already present when you attach the tape, they will not be able to leave the tree. The ants are trying to protect the aphids in order to take advantage of the sugary substance that the aphids produce.
Mier-run are nematodes that (like all nematodes) need a couple of weeks to give a visible result. Start by fighting your ants with nematodes and two weeks later, put ladybug larvae in place against the aphids.
How to release ladybug larvae
The best way to release ladybug larvae is directly onto affected leaves. You can use a small paintbrush to do this. Lightly tap an individual larva with the paintbrush to pick it up, and then swiftly tap again onto an affected leaf. Done with a light hand, you will not hurt the ladybug larvae and you can place them exactly where they are needed. This is, of course, a time-consuming way to release them.
A faster way to release the ladybugs is by spooning small amounts of the shredded paper substrate directly onto affected leaves. The ladybugs will quickly crawl off of the paper shreds in search of prey.
In case it's too difficult to release the ladybugs directly onto the leaves, you can use the provided release baggies or boxes to help you. Hang them in the plants first, and then spoon small amounts of the shredded paper substrate into the baggies or boxes.
How are ladybug larvae packaged?
Supplied in the packaging:
- 50, 100, 200 or 300 ladybug larvae
- A printed user guide (currently only available in Dutch and French)
- Baggies or boxes to help release the larvae, only to use in case it's not possible to release the larvae directly onto the leaves where aphids are found
