How to Collect Ladybugs

Ladybugs are small insects that are actually part of the beetle family. There are four different types of ladybugs including the round ladybugs, Harmonia ladybugs, Hippodamia ladybugs and C-Mac ladybugs. These are beneficial insects because they eat the aphids that will destroy your plants. Catching them is not difficult because they cover such a wide variety of areas, especially in lush vegetation, and corn and wheat fields.

Things You'll Need

  • Sweep net
  • Large jar with a sealing lid
  • Screwdriver or ice pick
  • Aphids
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stab holes in the lid of the jar with a screwdriver or ice pick. Make sure that they are not large enough to allow the ladybugs to escape. A small to medium sized screwdriver will make the proper sized holes.

    • 2

      Spray a small amount of water in the bottom of the jar. A small spray from a water bottle will suffice.

    • 3

      Sweep through lush vegetation containing a high population of ladybugs with the sweep net.

    • 4

      Put all ladybugs you catch into the jar and seal the lid tightly.

    • 5

      Find leaves covered in aphids and drop them in the jar. You will likely find plants with aphids near where you find ladybugs, as they are the ladybug's primary food source. Look for small, soft-bodied insects that are less than 1/8 inch long.