Field Guide    Biocontrols  Ladybugs

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are used as biological control agents in agriculture due to their ability to suppress pest populations. These beetles, specifically species like the seven-spotted and convergent ladybug, are predators of aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied pests that damage crops.

Both adult ladybugs and their larvae feed on pests. One ladybug can eat hundreds of aphids in a day, making them very impactful in managing infestations. Their presence in agricultural fields reduces the use of chemical pesticides, encouraging environmental health and biodiversity.

The benefits of using ladybugs include their efficiency in controlling pest populations, their ability to adapt to different climates, and their role in helping reduce pesticide resistance.

As part of an Integrated Pest Management strategy, ladybugs help maintain sustainable agriculture practices by giving a natural, cost-effective solution to pest control.