How to Keep Ladybugs Alive

Of all the insects that are found outside, the ladybug is one of the more beautiful and garden-friendly bugs. Not only do they eat other insects that are harmful to your plants but they are attractive and harmless to humans. Keeping a ladybug as a pet over winter is a fun and educational experiment for a child and is a very low-maintenance, inexpensive and easy to care for pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Bug box
  • Small foliage
  • Paper towel
  • Raisins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bug box in a shaded spot that will stay quite cool.

      Ladybugs can also survive in the refrigerator, though it puts additional stress on the insect.

    • 2

      Scatter the foliage around the box to give the ladybug plenty of room to move around.

    • 3

      Wet the paper towel so that it is damp but not dripping and place it in the bug box.

      This provides drinking water for the ladybugs. Make sure that there are no water droplets as these can be dangerous for the bugs.

    • 4

      Gently place the ladybug in the bug box and close it.

    • 5

      Feed the ladybug aphids daily if they can be found as this is their preferred food.

      Use damp raisins when aphids are not available.