Lady Bugs And Woolly Aphids

ovation22

Last night I noticed that two lady bugs (they're everywhere this year) had entered my house. Instead of killing them or taking them outside, I decided to introduce them to my Fukien Tea. A few weeks ago I noticed that my Tea was being bothered by some woolly aphids. For the past few weeks I have been spraying with a mild insecticide every 4 days or so. Tree AND aphids continue to thrive.

Any thoughts on using lady bugs as a natural insecticide? As much as lady bugs seem to enjoy the bug carcasses on the windshield of my Jeep, they also seem to be enjoying the aphids on the Tea.

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Maybe it just needs some time.

Simply because of their vast numbers and limited mobility, the many hundreds of larvae of the ladybug are much more efficient aphid killers than the winged adult. The adult phase is mainly designed to fly around and distribute the eggs for future offspring. Of course they probably stop for a snack every now and then.

"As a larva it will gorge on about 400 aphids..."
http://www.a-1unique.com/products.html

Wooly aphids can be tough because they secrete a honeydew that results in a fungal growth that gives them additional protection. Keep in mind that most any insecticides you use will not target the pests specifically, but also the beneficials.

Regards,

Matt

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