Green the Globe: How to Keep Ladybugs Around and Support Them

Green the Globe: How to Keep Ladybugs Around and Support Them

Create a Lucky Ladybug Haven in Your Own Backyard

If you’re looking for a little extra luck this year, why not attract more ladybugs? The most popular ladybug meaning is centered on the good fortune it brings. Unlike the plants and other symbols of prosperity out there that need to be stumbled upon, bought or kept alive in your garden no matter how green your thumb isn’t, this beautiful bug comes to you for a boost of serendipity. So, what’s luckier than a ladybug?

If you find yourself doubtful about the reputation of these adorable spotted little critters, that’s alright. You’re not the first to ask: Are ladybugs good luck? What does ladybugs symbolize? What does it mean if a ladybug lands on you? Whether or not you consider yourself superstitious, it is undeniable that these small but mighty, bugs are lucky for our plants and the health of our planet.

Why Help the Ladybugs?

Ladybugs are phenomenal protectors of healthy ecosystems and plants. They mainly feed on the dreaded aphid, a small soft-bodied insect with sucking mouthpieces to help it feed on nutrient-rich plant sap. Aphids can cause critical damage to crops, particularly if their population gets out of control. But have no fear — the ladybug is here! Eating up to 50 to 75 aphids a day, the ladybug is an extremely effective biological controller of tiny soft-bodied pests, which also includes flies, mites, scales and thrips. Basically, the ladybug is going to work every single day taking care of business and making sure crops everywhere are staying safe.

Another amazing result of ladybugs eating these pesky aphids is the aid to farmers in another way. When ladybugs take care of the bad critters, farmers don’t have to use as many pesticides to keep them away. Healthier crops can grow without the need for additional chemicals to take care of those pests.

Another awesome perk of ladybugs is their ability to contribute to pollination. As they move from flower to flower like a bee would, they help pollinate as they do so. We can also use ladybugs as a climate gauge. These precious beetles are sensitive to changes in the climate, so they help researchers track these differences.

On the other hand, everything has to eat something. Ladybugs are a great source of food for smaller animals, certain birds and some other insects.

ladybug on plant

Ladybugs and People

On the speculative side, what does it mean when a ladybug lands on you? Expect a wave of good fortune when visited by this winged bug. Where it lands might change the exact details of your happy news, and it might be more of a heads up to change your life for the better yourself. A ladybug might rest on your shoe, meaning you should get started on a goal or break a bad habit. A ladybug landing on you could also signal a time of healing if you have been having a hard time dealing with something.

A Ladybug and Colors

What does a ladybug mean based on color, though? One of the rarest shades is the pupal green ladybug, which won’t have spots and will only be that color for one day. It adds extra prosperity to your good fortune. Orange brings creativity, yellow suggests a fresh start, pink inspires kindness, gray supports self-awareness, blue welcomes calmness into your life, brown invites stability, black encourages personal growth and white fosters peace of mind.

But how long does a ladybug bring good luck? When a ladybug lands on you, you should count the number of spots on it. The number of spots is believed to be how long of good fortune you’ll get from this cute critter. While there is debate whether the number means months or years, it’s all a predictor of how long of a time you will have good fortune come onto your life.

How to Get Started…

One of the best ways to protect your garden, whether it be made of vegetables, herbs or fruits, is to learn how to attract ladybugs to do the work for you. A simple way to do so is by planting a variety of flowers that provide nectar and pollen to draw them in, such as daisies, cosmos and yarrow. Ladybugs also have a fondness for herbs, such as dill, fennel and cilantro. Dandelions, parsley, and fennel are also ladybug-approved. Don’t forget the water for them, and if you could sneak thyme or oregano outside, ladybugs love to use these as a hideout when escaping from toads and birds.

Creating a Habitat for These Good-Luck Bugs

If you’d like to create a suitable abode for ladybugs, they do well in ladybug houses, also known as “hotels.” They can be constructed out of wood, a birdhouse or an online kit, then packed with bamboo or small sticks and leaves to create safe nooks for the ladybugs to lay eggs. Place your ladybug house or hotel in a sunny, protected spot. Ideally, place it about 3 feet above the ground and in proximity to some of the pollen-heavy flowers. Don’t forget the welcome sign and garden gnome to make the place as cozy as possible for them.

Maintaining a Hospitable Environment:

Despite their hard work and adorable demeanor, ladybugs are endangered by pesticides, habitat destruction and climate change. To protect these important insects, use environmentally friendly pest control methods, such as releasing predatory insects or using natural repellents. As we’ve seen, habitat conservation is also crucial for ladybug protection, as these insects rely on specific types of plants for food and shelter.

Our Contribution With CLEAN RESERVE Sparkling Sugar:

In order to do our part to save these precious pollinators and protectors, we’ve partnered with EARTHDAY.org and released our delightful fragrance, CLEAN RESERVE Sparkling Sugar to help support these amazing little creatures, with limited edition packaging to draw awareness to this pretty pollinator and the impact they make on our environment. If a ladybug garden or hotel isn’t in your future, treat yourself — and a ladybug — to this fun and flirty fragrance that pairs perfectly with a wink and a smile. Enjoy the beautiful balance of cassis berries, luscious peach nectar and soft pink sugar to add just the right amount of sweetness to your skin. Feel good and do better with every spritz! Ladybugs love a good scent, so see if this attracts any extra ones to your yard.🐞