Where do you buy ladybirds?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Freddo123. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about purchasing ladybirds.

I am unaware of any supplier that sells predatory insects like ladybirds, but let me mention some of our gardening enthusiasts, including @Adam_W, @Noelle, @mich1972, @robchin, @Jamespeter100 and @LisasGarden, to see if they have any recommendations.

What were you after the ladybirds for? You might like to read these discussions on How to introduce Ladybugs into my garden? and Organic pest control.

Here are a few tips on how to encourage ladybirds into your garden:

• Ladybirds feed on nectar and pollen, so planting flowers like marigolds, daisies, or any number of our flowering plants can attract them to your garden.

• Ladybirds prefer sheltered spots to rest during the day and to hibernate during winter. You can create habitats for them by leaving leaf litter, creating piles of logs or stones, or installing ladybird houses in your garden. 

• Pesticides can harm ladybirds and other beneficial insects. Instead, consider using natural pest control methods like companion planting or using insecticidal soap.

• Like all creatures, ladybirds need water to survive. Provide a shallow dish of water in a sheltered spot in your garden to encourage them to stay.

• It may take some time for ladybirds to discover your garden, so be patient and keep providing a hospitable environment. Eventually, they will find their way to your garden and help control pests naturally.

It's important to remember that you need to prepare your yard to encourage any released ladybugs to stay there. If the conditions are not right, they'll simply fly away.
 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Noelle]

Hi @Freddo123 and @MitchellMc 

There are "good bug" organisations and businesses that specialise in breeding and distributing beneficial insects, as part of organic pest control methods and integrated pest management (IPM).

A quick online search brought up http://www.goodbugs.org.au/  There is a link on the homepage for home gardeners.

Others include Bugs for Bugs  (this site includes ladybirds for sale) and The Goodbug Shop 

[robchin]

Great advice Noelle. That's where I would have sent as well. Great resource. 

[Thevie]

I’ve found this website that you can order ladybugs from. https://bugsforbugs.com.au/product/spotted-ladybirds/

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Thevie. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for joining the discussion.

I believe @Noelle mentioned Bugs for Bugs earlier in the discussion, but I trust @Freddo123 appreciates your support.

Are you planning on trying predatory insects in your garden? I'm sure our members will be keen to hear your results.

Mitchell