Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I was disapointed as half of the ladybugs arrived dead. I thought they were dormant, but they did not revive after I placed them on the plants in my garden. THose that were still alive did do their jobs effectivly. I will purchase them again as they are natural way to control pests, but I was not happy

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

THe egg sack arrived not looking to well. I placed it into a paper bag and left it for awhile. When I opened the bag it was filled with baby mantis. I have spread them around the garden and they were hungry and went right to work. Nothing like watching them stalk an aphid and snatch and eat. Excellent garden friends. Once they are done with my garden I hope they visit my neighbors and some will lay eggs for next year.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

If you have a problem with Aphids like we did, these little guys erase the problem quick. We had some pretty big problems on some pretty large trees etc, released 2 orders of these and WHAM! 1 order would have probably done it but our tree was very badly infested, could not formerly find one set of leaf steams uncovered by aphids. After maybe less than 2 weeks, we have to search everywhere to even attemp to find one or two. It's amazing, and I'd definitly reccomend to anyone with similar problems. Plus going this route we didn't have to worry about spraying any harsh unnatural chemicals etc... Order these guys they will amaze you, oh and also they breed like crazy all on thier own so having some next season shouldn't be a problem especially if you give them a little lady bug house to hide in for winter :)

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I wanted to have ladybugs to help control some of the pests in the yard. These are great and I've noticed a decrease in the aphids and white flies around my cherry tree. The only problem is that you have to release them when the weather is right and you have to have a food source ready for them, which means when you get started, you already have to have the pests out- you can't prepare ahead of time!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

They arrived alive and as I tried to release most were clinging to my arm. So I just walked around letting them go as they wanted. Most stayed around for a few days but I knew they would eventually leave. At least I knew there were many "new" ladybugs in our neighborhood. The other day I found a few more that may have returned or never left. They did do their job.. no aphids.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Easy to use. If nothing else the ladybugs added more beauty to the garden.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

There were far fewer dead ladybugs in my order from Gardener's than the company I ordered from last year. It was delightful watching them crawl out onto the feeding station and have some raisins before they went on their way.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Ladybugs are the best way to make a 6 yr old smile. We order them every year just to let them go. Great for getting rid of Aphids.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

[...]. All excellent!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Bought the ladybugs as an educational gift for my grandsons (3&5). They were very excited to receive them.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I followed the application instructions to the letter, and most of them flew off within minutes. The next day we saw some on several different plants, but have only seen TWO in the last three or four weeks.
My daughter lives 20 miles from here, and in 3 hours yesterday I saw at least a dozen in her garden; I think that must be where mine went.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I ordered my first batch of ladybugs to try and save a group of seedlings that had been infested with aphids. After five months of battling the aphids with various organic and chemical treatments, the ladybugs destroyed the aphid infestation within 36 hours. Unfortunately, it was a little too late for most of the seedlings. The ladybugs were sticking around, though - until we got a heavy rain, and most of them hid under the pots in the self-watering seedling tray, which flooded and killed most of them. Now, I have two ladybug feeders (also available on this site), which I have hung and baited, and will be ordering more ladybugs - along with preying mantis eggs - shortly. It's a dream having them around. Both my garden and I love these ladybugs!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I thought using the ladybugs would be a great way to get rid of those pesty aphids on my roses. I received the ladybugs in the mail (In a box with tiny holes) and applied them at night when it was cool (We live in an area where temps get in upper 80's during the day) I sprinkled them on the roses and covered the roses with a cloth like cover. I guess it was my mistake. Didn't provide them water, I sprinkled them in a hurry and I wasn't watching them as we left for the weekend. Some of the lady bugs were gone, others stayed. There was plenty to "eat" but it seemed most were unhappy. I'd be willing to try again.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Great product for greenhouse pests.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

We didn't cover fruit trees with netting, so lady bugs didn't hang around long. We hope a few are still in the neighborhood doing some good. They were sure fun to watch until they re-located.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Not to sure if the eggs have hatched but placed them out door at the right time. [...]. I do hope I will see a few of the lovely Praying Mantises in the coming months.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I ordered both the ladybugs and the praying mantises in anticipation of my first garden on the North Shore of Massachusetts. I expected them to arrive when plants were beginning to develop leaves, which would then attract aphids and other insects for the beneficial bugs to feed on. Instead they arrived before any plants had even sprouted. I kept the ladybugs refrigerated for the maximum two weeks recommended, but still had limited places to put them outside. Since then I have seen only one ladybug, and no sign of praying mantises. Perhaps they will return as the growing season gets underway, but at this point, I am extremely disappointed in what I had hoped would be a thoughtful, garden-friendly purchase.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

After I applied the egg sack to what I thought was a secure safe location it appears one of the wild birds found it, unfortunetly they never hatched.Recomend hatching in paper bag if you have alot of birds

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Every year I run around trying to see who has ladybugs that I can purchase, they usually have quite a few dead bugs also. This year they arrived at my doorstep and almost all were alive.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Bought these for a fruit tree that we thought had mites, they stayed for awhile but eventually left our area, the neighborhood is enjoying them I'm sure.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It was fun to receive the ladybugs - my daughters helped me place them all over the garden. All of the ladybugs were alive - they seemed to be in good condition. This was safe and fun, and I think they ate at least some of our aphids.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I followed directions to the letter, but the minute I let the little critters out of their mail-pak, they dispersed into the netherland, and I haven't seen them since.

I believe it's just too hot for them down here in south Florida.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

within two days, they'd all flown away.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

All of the lady bugs appeared alive and well. My boys and I enjoyed spreading them in the garden, but I don't think I had enough aphids to keep them happy and they flew away. Perhaps we should have put down netting to keep them around or maybe my garden was just too healthy!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

lots of ladybugs! my 4 yr old son enjoyed setting them out around our garden. we didn't use the fabric & lots were still around the next morning. I think they did fly on, but they ate almost all of our aphidsd & mealybugs before they left!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

When I set out the ladybugs on my vegetables, they instantly went to work. The only thing I would do different is to have waited until my plants were more developed so that there would be more to keep the ladybugs in the garden.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

add lady bugs every year. better quality than I ususal get.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

[...]they got into the garden and did their thing on the other insects that eat plants. Will use these alot!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I received my ladybugs and they were very active right out of the box. Definitely read the instructions before application - I sprinkled water over the pack and gave a raisin as directed for nutrition. It was fascinating to watch the ladybugs drink the water (they actually took turns) and latch on to the raisin. I used these on my spearmint patch which was infested with aphids. The ladybugs stayed for dinner! There were quite a few that remained and my aphid problem was diminished significantly without chemicals! A note to parents: this was an incredible learning tool for children on many levels. My kids and I read the booklet enclosed with the ladybugs and learned about the bugs and the larvae. We observed the bugs up close and they then helped release them into the garden. I was able to really give the kids a lesson about beneficial bugs, how to treat good bugs in nature, the food chain, and how even the smallest creature has a purpose. I really loved this product.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The last time I bought lady bugs my dog Ouzo got in the container I had put in the shade til the sun went down to release them... and ate most of them! OUZO! This time I was more careful.. and Ouzo has gone to the Rainbow Bridge so the little guys were successfully released. And I haven't seen a one since! But then I haven't seen any aphids either! That's good!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

We bought the Lady Bugs to take care of an Aphid problem in our flower and vegetable garden. I have three kids so they had a blast observing the bugs "munchin the white stuff". It's been a few weeks now and we still have Lady Bugs galore, a few left but it looks like most of them stayed and the aphids are completely under control now.
Thanks!!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I tried these for the past two years and see nothing in my garden. I am not sure they ever hatched. I shall not be ordering thise again in the future

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

1 egg and millions of bugs and I have seen one praying mantis.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I am new to gardening, so I don't know if I set up the praying mantis egg case correctly, but nothing happened. I followed the directions, as far as I know.I feel like I wasted [$].

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I expected more mantis eggs to hatch but only 25 to 50 were put on various plants in my garden or shrubs. It may be several months before I see if any survived the birds who may have wanted them for food.
1) I think it's a great idea if even 15 made it to adult life.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Easy to release.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

These guys are great for protecting my plants. As long as there is "food" they don't venture from the plants that I placed them on. They are amazing.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I wish that there was more info about what to do with the lady bugs prior to buying them. It seemed like a good idea but they flew away and I haven't seen any around. I probably should have gotten the larva instead of the adults. Maybe that would have been better.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

praying mantis are not only effective but fon to have in the gardens.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Adding ladybugs must be good, but it is impossible to tell if these actually stayed in my garden. [...] I provided a nice outdoor contained spot for them to adjust to their new home. Released happy bugs.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It works great. Second year I have used lady bugs and find I do not have to use pesticides for insect control on plants. Very satisfied. Have also pass your catalog to others interested in gardening.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I put it over three arbors I have over my main organic garden and drape it partly down the sides. I leave one opening open for easy access. So far I have not needed to cover this opening as I have only see one bird near it. My garden sits under a very large fichus tree (about 2 stories high)

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It took about 4.5 weeks from the time I ordered my egg case, until they hatched on 5/16. Happy birthday baby mantises! They are so fun to watch, and I have already seen a marked reduction in those pesky little aphids - which were aaaaalll over my retaining wall.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The mantis eggs have yet to hatch. I was very satisfied with the first egg that I bought from you so I should be with this one as well. Half of the lady bugs however were dead upon arrival. It was a true shame.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The egg was fairly easy to attach to my tomato cage, which I figured would be high enough off the ground (instructions said 1-2 ft) and also give the little mantises enough aphids to much on when they hatch hungry. About a week after I put the egg out, I found an earwig had gotten inside! I got it out and plugged the little hole, hoping the egg was still viable. So far I haven't seen any mantises in the garden :( I guess next time I will hatch them in a paper bag inside so I am certain of their arrival.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

[...]excellent instructions. [...] I'm about to re-order.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It must have been too early for the lady bugs because we couldn't find any a week later.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I liked that the mantis came as eggs in a natural cocoon (?) with detailed instructions on how to nurture them to maturity and the result was healthy mantises effective in my organic garden as preditors of unwelcome insects.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Very impressed. All alive and very eager to get out.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Several years ago I bought these insects and was very happy with the results, but we moved to a new piece of property and I found I needed more ladybugs. With so much that is of poor quality being sold and produced these days, I hesitated to buy them again. I did take the chance and am completely satisfied with the shipment. The package came quickly; there wasn't a single dead bug in the package; it couldn't be simpler to "apply" them; and they stayed here rather than flying away. Wonderful!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The ladybugs were used in a "HEROES OF THE GARDEN" booth set up at the county fair. They were used to get the people's attention so that we could give them information about the Master Gardener program. They were a hit! The only problem we had was transferring fifteen hundred ladybugs from a small mesh bag into two large jars. We lost a few but still had plenty! They are thriving in the jars and have completed the life cycle since we have seen immature ladybugs. The ladybug will be used in the elementary schools.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I run a non-profit and we ordered these bugs for a class on insects that was held at our community garden. The kids (and adults!) LOVED it.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I had a aphid problem on the tomatoes in the garden and in a flower bed. Ordered two packs of the ladybugs and arrived in good condition. Spread them in the garden and flowers in the late evening. They hung around for over a month to eat up all the aphids before they moved on. Took care of the problem and couldn't ask for anything more. Was fun to have them all around too. I did have Cilantro & peppers growing which they all seemed to love to hang around. So use that as a tip to encourage them to stick around.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It took a few weeks for them to hatch but once they did you could find them all over garden.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

They mass of lady bugs work great at eating all the bugs that love my fruit trees. I have to remember to order them earlier next year, and maybe twice a year.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Ladybugs arrived with just a few dead and I am still finding them in my garden.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It's hard to get those little critters out of their bag. They were crawling but sometimes didn't want to crawl out and away. I finally did get them out obviously,but with difficulty. Actually at times it was funny. They were not going to go out anytime soon.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Description needs to include specifics about the environment needed - all of my ladybugs left.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

the ladybugs have already wiped ou t the aphids that were destroying my plants I love them

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I used a clothes pin to attach it to a small tree in the back yard. Two or three days after I put it out we had a small storm,I went out the next day the pin was there but no sign of the mantis egg. I did notr see any after that so I have no idea if they did any good around my property.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The only issue I had with this product is that I don't know how long the ladybugs stuck around. I don't see them anymore so either the birds got them or they moved to another location.

Very much like the idea of being able to purchase and use a product that is friendly to the environment. I don't like to use insecticides or hericides so this is a good alternative for controlling pests in the garden.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I followed the brown paper bag instructions to hatch the babies and it worked great. I put them in a south facing window and checked on them regularly. When I came downstairs one morning, I could hear them moving around in the bag.

I was so excited I took them ouside immediately and sprinkled them around my yard. Since doing this, I have not seen them too much but it appears that the white flies are gone.

I had to use an eco-friendly spray last year so I was very excited to be able to use beneficial bugs to take care of a pest problem this time. I really hope they stick around and make new babies for next year.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I got the lady bugs because I had 2 Knock-out rose bushes with aphids. Having had the problem before, I knew how to address this new infestation. Wrapping the 2 bushess is somewhat challenging. However that done the ladies did their jobs in less then a week.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Sadly many, many arrived dead! I felt pretty bad that a good amount of them didn't even make it. I placed them right away in my garden and most stuck around for a few days but within 4-5 days, no sight of any of them any more. Although I know they are helpful to gardens, I noted no real difference nor improvement in my case.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Can you imagine the surprise that a recipient gardner will have when they receive a package of happy live and willing to work lady bugs? This is a fatastic gift to send to your gardner friends. Every time they see a lady bug over the next year they will wonder if it is one that they set free, one that you gave to them. Very cool!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Placed them by the rose bushes on the side of the house and those roses are bug free. The roses on the other side have some aphids. Clearly they did their job.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Scatter around the gardens to prevent pests that eat our lillies, peonies and other plants.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I had a really bad aphid problem and I ordered the ladybugs. When they arrived, all were alive and kicking! I tented my garden and let them loose. The next day, all the aphid were gone. I took off the cover and they all fly away. that was the only bad part though. I don't have any more aphids, and that is the best part!!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I release the ladybugs on and near all of my rose bushes. Last year was my first attempt and I had no problems with aphids all season.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It's easy to use, you get them put them in place
and wait, and wait, and wait.
But you should at least try them, their natural
and if they hatch they do keep the pest population
down. Had several on my balcony for the last three years. One "couple" left a nest that hatched
babies. It's awsome when it works!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It is so nice to have helpful insects in the yard to take care of those I don't want. The hard part it keeping them at home but with enough food here there is no reason to wander.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I ordered ladybugs from another dealer last year. Most came D..E..A..D! But the ones I ordered from Gardeners Supply came alive. My only problem is I can't keep them in my garden. I still see a few, but most found happier hunting grounds elsewhere.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I am sure these little creatures worked for some....just not for me. I live in the Southwest Desert, so maybe it was just too hot for them to hang around. I released them at night and all but a few were gone in the morning. I never saw them again! It was definitely worth a try though.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Great idea but catalogue description is very miss leading. 200 plus mantis, get real on nest may produce such numbers in perfect conditions, but your advert implies you get more. We have already some 30 plus nests but thought more would be good. maybe I should sell you them at $17 a time !!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I had a huge problem with aphids on my tomato plants. I purchased these in hopes of curing that problem. I placed the egg sack on one of the lower branches of a tomato plant. While that tomato plant has thrived, all of the surrounding plants were sacrificed to the aphid army. At nearly [$] a pop, this an extremely expensive option if it has to be placed in every plant for success. Unfortunately, insecticidal soaps and other organic methods for controlling aphids have only had minimal success. All in all, it does work! It's just too expensive for me to use anymore.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

placed over plants

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I followed the instructions sent with the Mantid egg case but they have not hatched yet and I don't think they are going to. I've seen plenty of cases before, and this one looks like it had hatched already.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

product should be ordered later in garden life when more leaves and plants were up

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The lady bugs and Mantis were both easy to apply, I hatched the mantis in my home, and let em loose in my garden, they stuck around, my first batch of ladybugs were 90 percent dead on arrival (poor little things) but gardeners supply sent me a replacement [...].I was very happy in the end and will do business again.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

These bugs did not help with my whitefly problem I released 3 lots of ladybugs (4500+-)I watered everyday, provided them with wind protection and with the millions of whiteflies they should of had plenty to eat. After 2 days there was no sign of the ladybugs. Where did they go? The only benifet I recieved was the trill my daughter got when releasing them. Maybe the whiteflies ate the ladybugs?? Only the strong survive!!!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

We put the egg container in the vines and nothing happened to it. No praying mantis's evolved from it. So it was a waste of money.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The ladybugs did their job and got rid of the aphids. The problem is then they leave for greener pastures, (or more aphids). It's fun to watch them and see the results, I only wish they would hang around for more than a few days. We release about one quarter of them at a time and that helps prolong the fun!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The ladybugs arrived in excellent condition. The world could use more good bugs like ladybugs. I look forward to buying more ladybugs in the near future.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I got these ladybugs, because I had mites all over my mulched areas. They stuck around for 1 day and then were gone. My neighbor says they are in her yard. So much for that. So I would not spend the money on them. I thought for sure they would eat my bugs.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

The biggest disadvantage is that after I order the ladybugs, the aphids are busy eating the new growth of my plants while I wait for them to arrive. I would rather be able to get them at the local hardware store. I suppose the next possibility would be to anticipate which plants will need them, and order them before the damage starts.... hard to anticipate.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

Two weeks after receiving the egg case they hatched and there were hundreds of baby Praying Mantses around my yard. Aphads, bad insects, BE GONE!

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

My garden is now free of aphids :)

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

I ordered praying mantises as a Christmas present for my father. The mantis eggs were shipped to him at the beginning of December meaning that he had to keep them until the spring when he could place them outside to hatch. None of the egg sacks hatched.
The eggs should not have been shipped until the spring when they could immediately be put in the garden to hatch.
He followed directions for placement of the egg sacks, but none of the eggs hatched.

Comments about Beneficial Bugs:

It should be clear this is not a preventive measure, ladybugs won't stay around if you don't have good food supply for them (ie aphids, white flies). I've ordered ladybugs from another source as well and was very dissapointed [...] which caused most of the other ladybugs to arrive dead: these were all alive and well.