Attract and Keep Ladybugs: The Complete Guide

Ladybugs (lady beetles) are iconic aphid predators—adults and larvae together devour thousands of aphids, mites, and scale insects. Attracting and retaining them requires meeting their dual needs: prey (aphids) and pollen/nectar.

Plants That Attract Ladybugs

Flat, accessible flowers in white/yellow: angelica, calendula, caraway, chives, cilantro, cosmos, dill, fennel, feverfew, marigold, statice, sweet alyssum, yarrow. Allow herbs to flower.

Provide Prey (Decoy Plants)

Sacrifice a few plants to host aphids: early cabbage, marigold, nasturtium (aphid favorite), radish. This keeps ladybugs fed before they reach your main crops.

Water and Shelter

Shallow water dishes with stones. Ladybug houses (or bundled hollow stems) for overwintering.

Releasing Purchased Ladybugs

1. Refrigerate 6–8 hours to slow metabolism.
2. Release at dusk or dawn (low flight activity).
3. Mist target plant; release at base.
4. Choose aphid-infested or flowering plants.

No Insecticides

Even organic sprays kill ladybugs. Tolerate low aphid levels—they’re ladybug food.

With food, water, shelter, and a poison-free garden, ladybugs will stay, reproduce, and patrol your plants all season.