Pre-Fed Ladybugs | General Predator | Aphid Control

Hippodamia convergens for Aphid Control

Hippodamia convergens are an easy, effective way to control aphids an many other soft-bodied garden pests naturally. These predatory beetles can help stop pest problems before they get out of hand.

Ideal for gardens, greenhouses, grow rooms, and interior-scapes, ladybugs are widely used in biological pest control and IPM programs.

What Are Native Ladybugs?

Hippodamia convergens, commonly known as the convergent lady beetle, is a native North American beneficial insect that targets soft-bodied garden pests. 

Predatory at both larval and adult stages, larvae can consume 30-50 aphids per day, while adults may consume up to 5,000 aphids over a lifetime. When pest levels are low, ladybugs supplement their diet with pollen and nectar. 

What Pests do Ladybugs Control?

Primary Targets:

• Aphids
• Mealybugs
• Spider mites
• Soft scale
• Whitefly eggs & early-stage nymphs

Secondary Targets:

• Psyllids
• Leafhoppers
• Small caterpillars (eggs & first instars)

How Ladybugs Work

Ladybugs are generalist predators that actively search plant surfaces for soft-bodied pests. They focus on leaf undersides and new growth where pest activity tends to concentrate.

For best results, apply multiple times throughout the growing season to stay ahead of the pest lifecycle. A single application can reduce pest activity, but repeat applications provide more consistent, long-term control.

Because ladybugs also feed on pollen, they remain a useful part of your garden's pest management system even when pest levels are low, making them effective both preventively and reactively.

When to Use Ladybugs

Ladybugs work well as both a preventive measure and as a response to active infestations.

• Apply at the start of the growing season for early-season protection
• Use at first sign of aphids, mites, or thrips
• Reapply every 2–4 weeks during peak pest season for ongoing control

Application Instructions

• Apply in the early morning, evening, or on a cloudy day — avoid direct sunlight and peak heat
• Mist plant foliage with water before applying to provide immediate moisture
• Place product at the base of plants or directly on affected foliage
• Apply multiple times throughout the growing season for best results

Application Rates

Use the chart below as your starting guide. Adjust based on your specific pest species, plant type, growing environment, and infestation level. Multiple releases spaced throughout the growing season consistently outperforms a single application.

temperature

Growing conditions

Best temperature: 62-88°F
Minimum activity: ~55°F

Convergent Ladybug vs. European 7 Spotted Ladybug

Our ladybugs are easy to identify! Look for the two white lines behind the head that converge, giving them their name. This marking sets Hippodamia convergens apart from the invasive multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) and the European 7-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata). Our species is 100% native to the USA.

Read This Blog Post to Learn More

Left: Convergent Ladybug (Hippodamia convergens)
Right: European 7 Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata)