The population of the predator species (ladybugs) rises in relation to the population of the prey (aphids). I have seen no aphids (and no ladybugs) at all this year and I put it down to a extra cold and dry winter, followed by a very hot and dry spring.

Never fear, if you have aphids, the ladybugs won't be far behind. Just takes a little time for them to build up the ranks.

I had very few toward the hill top here where my roses are, but down hill, on the lush, succulent WEEDS which exploded from the extra rain we had here in SoCal this year (and which I had to drag UPHILL to the curb to please the Fire Department)there were BAZILLIANS of Lady Bugs. Kim

brown edges are probably caused by thrips. Check the blooms to see if you can see tiny little worm like things. I don't think ladybugs do anything for thrips.

I've seen aphids this year, but not too many. I usually just wipe them off with my fingers, though I think I did see a couple of predators munching away, so I didn't worry too much about them.

My issue last year and this year has been SPIDER MITES. O ye gods I hate those things. They multiply like crazy and do real damage. Often, you can't see them until they've built a big enough population that they've done damage. And they're so difficult to get rid of!!! I went through so many bottles of RTU pyrethrin spray that I finally ordered a bottle of concentrate. Why don't they just go away....

Thanks, everyone!

I've seen almost no aphids this year. I can only assume good bugs and hummingbirds have eaten them. I haven't even seen a big flock of bush tits, tho I suppose they might have visited while we were away.

bellegallica, you can't eradicate spider mites with insecticides. In fact, they're counter-productive, because they eliminate insects which eat mites.

You need a miticide, if you're going to spray for them at all.
But to be honest, eliminating sprays and using a garden hose instead will be more effective.

Jeri

I just wish mama ladybugs would instruct their young not to hang out in the same location as the dratted curculio beetles. I have come very close to squashing a (good) ladybug instead of a (very very very bad) curculio....:-((((

Susan

Our ladybugs seem to be late this year, along with the roses and the aphids! I have seen many of the ladybug larvae lately - they look like little red & black striped alligators. So, soon they will turn into ladybugs - I think the larvae also eat aphids, so that is good too.

Jackie

I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that ladybugs need a moist place to either winter over, or hatch their young??? I forgot which......but seeing that Texas is in a severe drought , the lack of water could be a reason for not seeing them? Donna