How to Raise Ladybugs

Ladybugs or ladybirds are popular insects to have because of their help in eating plant-destroying insects, such as aphids. Ladybugs are a type of beetle, and have voracious appetites. Ladybugs are identified by their bright red coloring and blacks spots on their outer hard shells. There are other color variations of ladybugs, which can include orange, yellow, brown, and black with reddish spots.

Things You'll Need

  • Ladybug habitat kit
  • Ladybugs
  • Raisins
  • Plant leaves with aphids
  • Water
  • Dropper
  • Insect net
  • Plastic container
  • Small aquarium (about 5 gallons)
  • Aquarium lid
  • Paper towel roll
  • Honey water
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

  1. Ladybug Kit

    • 1
      A ladybug kit can make the process easier.

      Purchase a ladybug kit, such as Insect Lore's Ladybug Lantern or Insect Kits' Ladybug Land. You can buy kits online. Mail in the certificate in your kit to receive your ladybugs. If your kit doesn't provide ladybugs, collect them outside or buy them online.

    • 2

      Place your ladybugs into your refrigerator to sedate them. The cold will prevent a large quantity of ladybugs from escaping from your habitat when you release them.

    • 3
      A supply of aphids can feed your ladybugs.

      Put 10 raisins into a container of water. Allow the raisins to sit and absorb some water. Cut the raisins in half and sprinkle the raisins throughout your habitat. You can also cut leaves from your plants that contain aphids, and place the leaves inside your habitat.

    • 4
      Supply your ladybugs with water.

      Take a dropper filled with water, and put a few drops of water on the bottom of your habitat. Take your ladybugs and gently release them into your habitat.

    • 5

      Keep a supply of water and raisins available for your ladybugs. Refresh water every day, and put raisins in your habitat only when they disappear.

    Home Instructions

    • 6
      Capture some ladybugs.

      Use an insect net to trap some ladybugs from your garden. Ladybugs love to live in vegetable and flower gardens, such as those growing tomatoes and roses. If you don't have a garden, buy ladybugs online.

    • 7

      Gather your ladybugs into a plastic container with a lid. Set up your aquarium to sustain your ladybugs. Place a paper towel roll at the bottom of your aquarium. This will give a place for your ladybugs to hide.

    • 8
      Provide food.

      Mix a few drops of honey with a few drops of water. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture and place it at the bottom of your aquarium. You can also place some cut-up raisins at the bottom of your aquarium, or you can also use aphids.

    • 9

      Refrigerate your ladybugs. Place your container inside your aquarium and tap out your ladybugs. Seal your aquarium with a lid. Replace the cotton ball of honey water every few days and feed your ladybugs as necessary.