Beneficial Insects
Native vs Invasive Ladybugs: How to Spot the Difference
That red beetle in your garden might not be the native ladybug you think it is. This detailed identification guide walks you through the three most common lady beetle species in North America: the native convergent lady beetle with its distinctive converging white lines, the seven-spotted lady beetle introduced from Europe with its perfectly consistent seven spots, and the highly variable Asian lady beetle identifiable by the black "M" or "W" marking on its pronotum. While all three are effective pest predators, the introduced species can outcompete native ladybugs over time. The post also covers best practices for releasing ladybugs, tips for attracting natives to your garden through plant diversity, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about lady beetle identification and behavior.
Green Lacewings for Natural Pest Control
Learn how to use these gentle pollinators and their “aphid lion” larvae to control aphids, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests at every life stage, with practical tips for choosing, releasing, and maintaining lacewing populations in gardens, greenhouses, and houseplants.