Ladybirds are not just a delight to spot in your garden; they’re also hardworking helpers. Creating a safe habitat for them not only benefits these tiny creatures but also helps maintain a thriving, balanced ecosystem in your green space. Let’s explore why ladybirds deserve a little extra care and attention.
Ladybirds play a critical role in gardens, acting as natural pest controllers. Their voracious appetites, especially during their larval stage, make them invaluable allies for gardeners. By encouraging ladybirds to settle in your garden, you’re giving nature’s pest management system a chance to shine. But what exactly do these iconic insects bring to the table?
Ladybirds (or ladybugs) are fast-flying winged beetles, known for their red backs and black spots (though some are small and dark). Non-native harlequin ladybirds should be left alone, as only experts can tell the difference.
Most ladybirds live one to two years. The best way to help is to garden organically (they eat aphids, scale insects, mildew and plants). Eggs look like ‘baby alligators’ (often found on nettles, so never pick until you’re sure they’re gone).
Plants loved by ladybirds include yarrow, angelica, fennel, herbs (dill, parsley, thyme), scented flowers (lavender, geranium, nasturtiums) and pollen-rich flowers (calendula, marigold, sweet alyssum). Know how to make your garden safe for pets to know toxic plants and mulch to avoid.
The Wildlife Community’s Ladybird Tower (site in sheltered flower beds or wooded glades) is one possibility to give habitat for summer (and hibernation for winter). The slow-seasoned naturally durable timber requires no chemical preservatives. If using, keep ladybird food away from children and pets.
What Do Ladybirds Eat?
Ladybirds primarily feed on aphids, small sap-sucking insects that can wreak havoc on plants. A single ladybird can eat up to 50 aphids a day! In addition to aphids, they consume other soft-bodied pests like scale insects, whiteflies, and spider mites. Their diet helps reduce the need for chemical pesticides, making them a gardener’s best friend.
There are several ladybird species, each with its own unique look. Common types you might see in your garden include:
- Seven-spot Ladybird: The classic red ladybird with seven black spots. It’s the most recognisable and widely found in the UK.
- Two-spot Ladybird: Smaller and red with two black spots. These are common in gardens and woodlands.
- Harlequin Ladybird: This invasive species comes in various colours and patterns. Though useful in pest control, it can outcompete native species.
Knowing which species visit your garden can help you better understand their habits and needs.
Life Cycle of a Ladybird
Ladybirds go through four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female ladybirds lay clusters of tiny yellow eggs on leaves, usually near an aphid colony. When the larvae hatch, they immediately start feeding on pests. After about two weeks, the larvae form pupae, and in another week, adult ladybirds emerge. Providing a habitat that supports these stages is crucial for their survival.
Creating Safe Habitats
A safe garden habitat doesn’t just attract ladybirds; it supports them through every phase of their life. Here’s how to design a haven for these helpful insects.
Ladybirds are drawn to a variety of flowering plants, especially those with small flowers rich in nectar and pollen. Consider planting:
- Marigolds
- Dill
- Dandelions
- Calendula
- Fennel
These plants not only attract ladybirds but also provide food for other beneficial insects. Aim for a mix of flowers that bloom throughout the year to keep your garden a steady source of nourishment.
Ladybirds need safe spots to rest and take cover, especially during colder months. You can create shelter by:
- Leaving a pile of dry leaves in a corner of your garden.
- Adding a ladybird house, which you can buy or make using natural materials.
- Placing small bundles of twigs or bamboo in a sunny, sheltered area.
Avoid cleaning up your garden too much in autumn, as fallen leaves and plant debris provide valuable shelter.
Avoiding Pesticides
Pesticides are harmful to ladybirds and other beneficial insects. Even organic pesticides can pose risks. Instead, try these alternatives:
- Introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps to control pests.
- Use companion planting to repel insects (e.g., planting garlic near roses to deter aphids).
- Wash pests off plants using a gentle spray of water.
By minimising chemical use, you’re creating a safer space for ladybirds to thrive.
Maintaining a Healthy Garden
Ladybirds thrive in gardens teeming with life. Include a variety of plants, shrubs, and flowers to attract different insects. More biodiversity means more food sources for ladybirds and a healthier ecosystem overall. Don’t forget to introduce native plants, as these are better suited to your local wildlife.
Each season brings unique challenges for ladybirds. Here’s how to help them year-round:
- Spring: Plant nectar-rich flowers to attract adult ladybirds emerging from hibernation.
- Summer: Provide plenty of water for both plants and insects. A shallow dish with water and small pebbles is perfect.
- Autumn: Hold off on garden clean-ups; let leaves and plant stalks remain for shelter.
- Winter: Offer warm, dry spaces for ladybirds to hibernate, like an insect hotel or a bundle of sticks.
With seasonal care, you ensure ladybirds have what they need to survive and thrive.
What if Ladybirds Are On Your Windows?
Ladybirds cluster together in winter to hibernate until March or April, and due to loss of habitat outside (trees etc), many are found high up on windows. Sealing windows beforehand is the best preventive measure. They do no harm but it can be upsetting as the high temperatures of modern homes means many wake up early and look for aphids, and either starve or dehydrate.
If the room can be cooled (turn off central heating etc) it’s likely best to leave them be. But if you see ‘moving ladybirds’ or dehydrating ones before spring, most will likely die if not helped. It’s difficult as they are easily injured. One expert suggests gently sweeping them using a make-up brush into a matchbox with small air holes, then transferring to a (smallish) shoe box with air punch holes, and locating to a shed, outside porch etc, so they can fly out when they wake up. She found 15 died and the other 45 or so flew off, so is trying a smaller shoebox next year, so they can huddle closer for warmth. Another option is for a joiner to create a ‘sheltered dark shelf’ so if they return, they don’t over-heat.
A Book to Learn More on Ladybirds
Ladybirds is an RSPB guide, perfect for young or older readers. Packed with informative colour photos, this book (by a knowledgeable naturalist) looks at some of our most beloved invertebrates, and how they help to protect our crops by eating huge numbers of garden and farming pests. These tiny flying beetles are the gardener’s friend.
The book focuses on the 26 native species (from the orange ladybird to the 7-spot), plus the author covers conservation challenges. He covers all biology from tiny larvae to large aggregations worldwide.
