Ladybugs are highly prevalent in Saskatchewan this month as they prepare for hibernation, experts report.
Georgiana Antochi-Crihan, the entomologist for the City of Saskatoon, explained that ladybugs experience cycles of population growth and decline, with the current period being a peak for ladybug numbers due to favorable conditions.
She emphasized that food availability plays a crucial role in the ladybug population surge, as these insects primarily feed on aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, and other pests.
While Ashley Thompson, the manager of parks technical services for the City of Regina, noted a significant aphid population in Regina this year, Vesna Fa from North Battleford observed a similar abundance of aphids in her area during the summer.
Fa, the executive director of Midwest Food Resources, a non-profit organization focusing on food security, highlighted the beneficial role of ladybugs in controlling pest populations and encouraged people to protect these insects instead of using harmful sprays.
Candace Savage, chair of Wild About Saskatoon, praised the diversity of ladybug species in the province and emphasized the importance of supporting native plants and habitats to sustain these beneficial insects.
As ladybugs prepare for hibernation, they gather in warm spots such as building sides in Regina, according to Thompson. Antochi-Crihan explained that ladybugs possess natural antifreeze compounds to survive the harsh winter conditions in the prairies.
The resurgence of ladybugs is expected next spring when they emerge from hibernation.