Ladybugs
Always keep the ladybugs out of direct sunlight and as cool as possible. They may even be refrigerated down to 35º F (they hibernate at 35º – 40º.)
The ladybugs should be watered once a day (unless refrigerated.) Two or three shots of a fine mist is about right. You want to moisten the wood shavings but not allow puddles at the bottom of the boxes.
- Water your garden before releasing the bugs.
- Release the ladybugs after sundown since they do not fly at night. If released during the day, they will immediately fly away.
- Shake them out of the box in groups at the base of the plants that have aphids. Ladybugs always crawl up.