I sometimes see the preying mantis 'egg capsule' out in the garden, attached to something. Never thought about their positioning but they are always up off the ground. Maybe about 2' or so.

Then in early Spring, I will see that there are little holes in it and the occupants have left.

I love preying mantis. Lovely and interesting creatures.

I usually see Praying Mantis egg cases in shrubs 4 to 6 feet off the ground.

kimmq is kimmsr

I've never considered them as friendly guests in my gardens and remove them whenever I find them.

Attach the ootheca in a location out of the direct sun (at this time of year). Underneath a branch with a leaf canopy, under a fence railing (near a garden area). You can use a couple of drops of super glue or twine/thread.

I hope that you've already taken care of it....don't leave them in the bag unless you're prepared to check on them all the time.

Can ask why you do not see them as friendly in your garden? I read they are effective as an organic pest control. Is this incorrect? Yes, I actually purchased some small critter boxes that are ventilated on the top. They are guaranteed to hatch from the grower so I want to make sure they do. It has only been 3 days but I'm anxiously waiting for them to hatch.

They are indiscriminate killers and will eat anything they can catch. Pests, beneficials, butterflies, even hummingbirds. That said, they are my favorite insect and I welcome them in my garden.

Rodney

You've seen a praying mantis eat a hummingbird?? I had no idea they would anything other than small bugs.

I haven't seen one eat a hummingbird personally but there are some videos on youtube if you want to see.

Rodney

The kinds in the US don't kill hummers.

As for their role in pest control, they're so-so because they sit and wait for whatever comes by. So, as has been noted, they're indiscriminate in the choice of prey.

Jean, the invasive Chinese mantids, now very common in the States, seem to be the usual culprit of the hummingbird murders. They are even responsible for the decline of our native mantis species.

Upstate, the others have given you the reason for my dislike of mantids. If they would keep their crummy little claws off my butterflies, bees, wasps, assassin bugs, and ladybugs, I might stop evicting them.

They are absolutely not welcome in my gardens.

Use garden ties or twist ties and fasten them to the stem of the plant you want to protect a couple of feet off the ground.

When you prune vines and shrubs, watch for mantis egg cases. Clip the branch they are fastened to and tie the case to the shrubbery.