If you're like most people, you probably don't think of ladybugs as ruthless predators -- but the killer instincts of these colorful little insects are actually a huge help in the garden! As host Jessie Mack Burns explains here, one of the highlights of the 2001 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival is the children's activity of releasing 135,000 ladybugs into the Epcot gardens. But these tiny creatures (figure A) will do more than provide a fun educational project: their most important function is to help protect Epcot's wealth of beautiful foliage by preying on plant-destroying pests. Burns explains that gardeners everywhere can benefit from introducing ladybugs into their gardens just as Disney gardeners do. Since ladybugs prey on a number of destructive insects, they can reduce or even eliminate the need for chemical pesticides. This not only safeguards the environment but also protects other beneficial bugs such as spiders, lacewings and ground beetles. Like ladybugs, these insects help control many of the pests that feed on plants. For residential gardens, ladybugs can be ordered through mail-order garden-supply sources or from local nurseries. But before releasing these garden helpers, make sure to water your plant(s) thoroughly: the ladybugs will come out thirsty! Once you've given the plant a healthy dose of water, simply open up the container of ladybugs near the plant and let them get to work (figure B). Note: For a tour of Disney's Epcot Center map, click here , available using  .
RESOURCES :
Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control
Rodale Press Inc. (Organic Gardening Magazine)
Emmaus, PA 18098
Phone: 610-967-5171
Fax: 800-813-6627
Email: customer_service@rodalepress.com
Bugs, Slugs & Other Thugs: Controlling Garden Pests Organically
Model: 0882666649
Author: Rhonda Massingham Hart
224 pages
(July 1991)
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
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