Ladybirds for Aphids
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Description
Some pack sizes are only available from March to September.
Both Ladybird adults and their Ladybird larvae are voracious eaters and can make a real difference to aphid (greenfly and blackfly) infestations both under glass and outside.
The ladybirds we supply are Adalia Bipunctata - the red two-spotted ladybird. They are one of many native species in the UK. Ladybirds are one of the most popular controls for aphids but they do not prey on other insects so will not help with pests such as thrips and spider mite.
The ladybird larvae look very different to the adults (a distinctive slate grey and orange colour approximately 0.5cm long) and cannot fly, they therefore will stay where they are put, each eating up to 100 Aphids a day, until they pupate. Adults may well fly away. This will be disappointing, but they will be doing good wherever they are!
If you have a large area to treat or have aphids in multiple areas of your home or garden then Lacewing larvae may be more suitable.
Instructions for use
Larvae 250 - Use immediately. Your bottle will contain the very small ladybird larvae and an inert carrier for protection, usually bran husks. It’s best to do this early morning or late evening by gently scattering over affected plants or into a rough paper cone lodged between branches.
Larvae & Egg mix - Use immediately. Apply in cool conditions (in late evening) where possible. Either apply the larvae/eggs directly to the plants or use cut up egg boxes or paper cones placed in target areas.
Adults - Use immediately. Before release pop the ladybirds (in their wrapping) in the fridge or a cool place for 30 minutes to calm them down. If they already appear dormant- leave the tube at room temp, out of direct sunlight and they should recover. Ladybirds are usually thirsty after their journey, so sprinkle some water on the plant leaves before releasing the ladybirds in the early evening. Adult ladybirds will fly away unless you net them in with frost fleece or insect netting.
It is very important to release the ladybirds as soon as possible after they arrive with you to minimise the risk of them eating each other! If that means releasing them outside of the times mentioned above that’s fine. If you absolutely can’t then they can go in the fridge for a short while.
Protect the larvae from ants. Ants “farm” aphids for their honey dew and protect them from beneficial insects including ladybirds and their larvae. Treat the ant nests and remove ants from the plants.
Further information
Ladybirds should be applied when aphids are present on plants at temperatures are above 10°C (although best control is gained at 15-20°C), they will also require at least 12 hours of daylight per day.
Make sure the ladybirds do have aphids to feed on otherwise they will die, eat each other or leave.
Some pack sizes are only available March to September.
Biological controls are not always kept in stock, they are ordered in fresh. This can sometimes lead to a time lag between when you place the order and when it is despatched. Order by 10am Monday for same week despatch by Ladybird Plant Care.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
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