I didn't know about letting them out only a little at a time, but I do know that you are supposed to put them out after sundown so they stay and don't fly away. When I used them they worked great, so good luck!

Judy, I read recently on a site to spray them with apple juice for sluggishness. Sluggish lady bugs? Kinda funny and I don't know the ratio of apple juice. Good luck.

Carla

The ones I released came back this year also, too late to really save this flush but they're working hard at eradicating all the aphids clustering on the buds on the bushes and making terrific inroads.

I released them all at once in the evening, a few on each bush covered with plenty of aphids. I kept them in the fridge as advertised which keeps them sluggish until the evening and then let them go. The first bunch left, the 2nd bunch stayed, don't know what I did different. But, they did return this year. I have no idea where they wintered at or where they go when it gets really hot, but it's nice to see them return, an investment on my money:)

I am told that it is far more effective to release ladybug LARVAE. They can't fly, but they will crawl all around and eat aphids like mad.

They're cool little critters, like teeny black alligators, with some bright markings.
And they WILL bite, tho their bite is harmless.

You can order them from insectaries, I believe.

Jeri

Jeri, I've seen those before but never knew that's what they were.

Prettypetals, I would put the ladybugs in the fridge for 2 hours before releasing at dusk. This calms them down so they won't want to fly. You can't keep them in your "yard" but they will be in your area. Especially if you have the aphids they want to feast on. I still see plenty of them since I released a bunch about 3 years ago. Yes, I have certain roses that seem to always get aphids.

Mary

Thanks a bunch everyone. The instructions also said to wet the area some before releasing them so they can get a drink and it rained some so I let out some of them. They started crawling around slowly and a couple tried to fly. Hopefully they will like their new home. I tried to put them on roses I knew had some aphids. Tomorrow I will put them in the fridge awhile before letting some more out. They said they could live for two weeks in the fridge but I am going to try to release them all within 4 or 5 days I think. Thanks again for all the suggestions, Judy