Horn Seed in Okc had ladybugs earlier this season, but they are currently sold out (as of last week when I called) and didn't know if they would be getting any more in this year.

There are lots of online places that sell ladybugs, including Home Depot which says it offers free shipping on them. I don't know about praying mantis. Go to Home Depot's site and search for ladybugs.

If you're going to order them mail-order you should probably do it as soon as possible. When they can't eat they live on their own fat stores, but I think that works best for them at 55°F or less so you may lose more of them in shipping in warm weather. Still, a good many are likely to survive if you get them shipped before the really hot weather gets here.

Debra

I usually buy mine at independent nurseries that carry a lot of organic products, but I shop in Texas and that wouldn't be convenient for you.

There are lots of online sources, but you will pay steep shipping fees because most ship them either 1-day or 2-day express.

Here's a few places that carry them:

Wormsway.com

Planetnatural.com

Gardensalive.com

thebeneficialinsectco.com

Arbico-organics.com

Homeharvest.com

When you compare prices, read the product description carefully because, with some suppliers, the shipping fee is built into the price while with others, it is not.

If you are wanting to get started in the use of beneficial insects as controls for pest insects, you might want to order one of the various combination packs that has a variety of beneficial insecs. I've linked one of them below.

Worm's Way usually has the most reasonable prices on many items, but I don't know what their shipping fees are like nowadays since it has been a few years since I ordered anything from them.

As for praying mantids, order and use them with care. They are very aggressive and will eat any other insect they find, including the beneficial insects you have released. In fact, they are cannabilistic and will eat one another.

Dawn

Here is a link that might be useful: Planet Natural's Combination Pack

thanks. i will check them out. i just love praying mantis. i used to let them crawl on me and even let them be on my finger. we had a large dragonfly in the house yesterday, and i got it to crawl on my finger and took it outside. wasn't sure if it bit or not, but gave it a chance.

I saw some lady bugs for sale at the K&K Nursery which is located between Norman and Moore. It's a great nursery and they are very friendly.

I'm including a link which has their address, phone number, and map.

Here is a link that might be useful: K&K Nursery