Large Garden Pack - General Predator Garden Bundle
4,500 Ladybugs + 5,000 Green Lacewing Eggs + 50 Million Triple Blend Nematodes + 1 lb Good Bug Diet
Natural general pest control for bigger plantings, with soil coverage that reaches well past the garden beds.
The more ground you're growing on, the more places pests have to hide. Aphids colonize new growth on shrubs and vegetables, whiteflies build up under leaves, and grubs work through roots in beds and lawn alike. The Large Garden Pack gives you more general predators and beneficial nematodes than the Medium Garden Pack, to cover a sizable planting area.
At preventative rates, the ladybugs and lacewings cover roughly 4,500–5,000 square feet of plantings. The nematode portion goes much further. It can treat about 12,500 square feet of soil preventatively, or be concentrated around smaller areas where soil pests are already active.
What's Included
- 4,500 pre-fed ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens), packed in mesh bags. The adults start hunting eggs and soft-bodied pests right away, covering the gap while the lacewing eggs hatch.
- 5,000 green lacewing eggs (Chrysoperla rufilabris) in rice hulls, with hanging release boxes for easy placement. Each hatched larva patrols for soft-bodied pests for 2–3 weeks.
- 50 million beneficial nematodes, Triple Blend Mix: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb), Steinernema carpocapsae (Sc), and Steinernema feltiae (Sf) in an easy-release powder. The three species work the soil from the surface down to the root zone.
- 1 lb Good Bug Diet predator food supplement, which keeps your predators fed and in place when pest numbers drop.
Pest Coverage
On the foliage (ladybugs and lacewings):
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Mealybugs
- Scale (crawlers)
- Psyllids
- Small caterpillars
- Many other insect eggs and soft-bodied pests.
In the soil (Triple Blend nematodes):
- Japanese beetle, May/June beetle, and other white grubs
- Black vine and strawberry root weevil larvae
- Cutworms, armyworms, codling moth, and webworms
- Cucumber beetle larvae
- Fungus gnat larvae
- Thrips pupae
- Flea larvae and pupae
- Ant queens and red fire ants
- Ticks
- Root aphids
- Crane fly larvae
- Borers
- Many other soil-stage pests
How They Work Together
- Our ladybugs are a native generalist predator. Adults gather at aphid colonies to feed and lay eggs. The spiny, alligator-shaped larvae that hatch do most of the aphid suppression. Adults can keep hunting for weeks to months when food and water are available.
- Green lacewings are known as "aphid lions" in the larval stage. Once the eggs hatch, each larva spends 2–3 weeks feeding on aphids, whiteflies, thrips, mites, and other soft-bodied pests before it pupates. Adults feed only on nectar and pollen.
- Triple Blend nematodes are microscopic biological control agents. They enter soil-dwelling pests and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the host within days. Each species works a different depth:
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- Sc waits at the surface for fleas and caterpillars.
- Sf searches the shallow root zone for fungus gnat larvae and thrips pupae.
- Hb travels deeper to reach root-feeding grubs.
- Good Bug Diet is a nutrient-dense supplement of proteins, fats, amino acids, vitamins, and sugars. It gives ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficials a backup food source, so they're more likely to stay in your garden instead of leaving to find prey.
When to Use
- Preventively: In spring, once soil temperatures stay above 53°F, and before pest activity builds. Early introduction lets predators get established before pests multiply.
- Reactively: Release at the first sign of an active infestation. Concentrate the pack on the affected area and follow up with repeat releases.
- Between outbreaks: Apply Good Bug Diet during low-pest periods and after heavy rain to help your predators stay settled.
- Reapplication may be required: If pests persist, releasing one or more of the natural predators may be necessary, until pest populations are significantly reduced.
Application Rates
These are general starting points. Adjust actual application based on pest pressure and species, plant type, and infestation severity.
| Product | Preventative / Light | Moderate | Heavy |
| Ladybugs | 1 per sq. ft. monthly |
1 per sq. ft. biweekly, 2-3 times |
1 per sq. ft. weekly, 2–4 times |
| Green Lacewings | 1 per sq. ft. monthly |
1 per sq. ft. biweekly |
1 per sq. ft. weekly, as needed |
| Triple Blend Nematodes | 5 million per 1,250 sq. ft. | 5 million per 250 sq. ft. | 5 million per 50 sq. ft. |
| Good Bug Diet | As needed | As needed | As needed |
Temperature Range
For a single release of the bundle, the temperature ranges listed below are where overlap occurs for all three beneficials.
- Minimum: 55°F air temperature, with soil consistently above 53°F. Below this, ladybugs slow down and the nematodes can't move well.
- Optimum: 62–82°F. All three products are in or near their peak activity here.
- Maximum: 88°F. Above this, ladybugs are past their best range and more likely to disperse. Lacewings and nematodes tolerate heat up to about 90°F.
Application Instructions
- Prepare the area by watering the ground and plant foliage in the evening.
- Apply the nematodes and water them in lightly.
- Release the ladybugs.
- Place the green lacewing eggs.
Triple Blend Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes activated with water should be used within 1–2 hours.
- Water the treatment area first. Nematodes move through moist soil and can't travel through dry ground.
- Mix with water between 59°F and 69°F. Use 1–5 gallons per 5 million nematodes. The amount of water can be adjusted depending on the area you're covering.
- Apply with a watering can, pump sprayer, or hose-end sprayer. Do this indoors any time, or outdoors in early morning, evening, or on a cloudy day, since sunlight and UV are harmful to nematodes.
- Water lightly afterward, then keep the soil consistently moist for two weeks. Avoid runoff.
Ladybugs
- Mist the plant foliage with water so the ladybugs drink first and settle in.
- Release in the evening around dusk. They're less likely to fly off in low light.
- Place small batches at the base of affected plants or directly on leaves where aphids are visible.
- Spread releases across the area rather than emptying a whole bag in one spot.
Green Lacewing Eggs
- Watch the egg color. Bright green means they're still incubating. Gray or lavender means they're about to hatch.
- At the first sign of graying, or when the first tiny larvae appear, gently divide the eggs and rice hulls among the hanging boxes.
- Hang the boxes near pest activity, out of direct sunlight.
Good Bug Diet
- Spray: Mix ¼ lb in 1 gallon of water and spray onto plants and flowers. For small areas, use 1 Tbs. per quart.
- Powder: Apply directly as a dry powder.
- Paste: Mix with a small amount of water and apply to plants, or to sticks placed among plants with the paste side up.
Pro Tips
- Deal with ants first. Ants guard aphid colonies for their honeydew and will drive off ladybugs and lacewings. They'll also eat lacewing eggs.
- Time sprays carefully. Keep neem oil, insecticidal soap, and other sprays several days apart from releases.
- Skip broad-spectrum pesticides entirely.
- Use netting indoors. Beneficial Insect Netting helps keep ladybugs on houseplants and potted plants.
- Protect the package. Never leave this product in direct sun or a hot car.
Safe, Sustainable Pest Management
- 100% natural biological control, with no synthetic pesticides or chemical residue
- Safe around people, pets, and edible crops, with no waiting period before harvest
- Compatible with IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs
- No protective equipment required
Storage
Everything in this pack performs best when released soon after arrival. For best results, release everything within about 2 days. Individual short term storage solutions are listed below.
- Ladybugs: Store in the refrigerator (36–45°F). Release within a few days.
- Nematodes: The nematode ice pack will likely arrive melted and feel warm, which is normal. Store unopened package in refrigerator (36–45°F) up to 30 days, but don't freeze them.
- Green lacewing eggs: Out of the refrigerator (50–60°F). A cool basement, garage, or interior closet usually works. Keep them no longer than 48 hours, and release at the first sign of graying or hatching.
- Good Bug Diet: Store unopened package in a cool, dry place for up to one year. Reseal after opening and use as soon as possible. Not for human or animal consumption.
FAQs
How is the Large Garden Pack different from the Medium Garden Pack?
The Large pack has 50% more ladybugs, twice the lacewing eggs, five times the nematodes, and twice the Good Bug Diet. It's built for bigger plantings of roughly 4,500–5,000 sq. ft. The Medium pack covers about 2,500–3,000 sq. ft. The biggest jump is in soil coverage, which makes the Large pack a good fit when you want to treat lawn or surrounding beds along with the garden.
Is the Large Garden Pack the right size for my garden?
At preventative rates, the ladybugs and lacewings cover roughly 4,500–5,000 sq. ft. of plantings. The nematodes cover about 12,500 sq. ft. of soil. If soil pests are already active, use the nematodes at moderate rates over around 2,500 sq. ft. For a heavy infestation, focus the whole pack on a smaller area and plan on follow-up releases.
Can I use the extra nematodes on my lawn?
Yes. Triple Blend nematodes work in turf as well as garden soil, and they target lawn pests like white grubs, Japanese beetle larvae, cutworms, and webworms. Water the lawn before and after applying, and keep it moist for two weeks.
Should I release everything at the same time?
You don't have to, but it's the simplest approach. Apply the nematodes and release the ladybugs the evening the pack arrives, then place the lacewing eggs once they start to gray. If you need to stagger releases, follow the storage limits above. Lacewing eggs need to go out within 48 hours and ladybugs within a few days. Unopened nematodes can stay refrigerated for up to 30 days.
Why does this pack include three nematode species instead of one?
It gives you broad-spectrum soil pest control. Each species hunts at a different soil depth, from the surface down to the root zone. Together they cover pests at all three levels without you having to identify which pest is where.
Why did my ladybugs fly away?
Adult ladybugs naturally move on when prey is scarce, temperatures are unfavorable, or plants lack moisture and shelter. Releasing at dusk onto misted plants near active aphids helps them stay, and Good Bug Diet gives them another reason to hang around.
Do I need to reapply the Large Garden Pack?
Often, yes, depending on the pest. Fungus gnats, fleas, root aphids, and ants reproduce continuously, so they need monthly nematode treatments until populations drop. Grubs, weevils, and most caterpillars have a single seasonal window, so one well-timed application may be enough. Repeat ladybug and lacewing releases every few weeks keep foliage pests in check as new generations hatch.
Can these be used indoors or in a greenhouse?
Yes. Every product in the pack works indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses. The nematodes also work in coco coir and peat moss, as long as the medium stays moist.
