Ladybugs are abundant in Saskatchewan this month as they prepare for hibernation, experts report. Georgiana Antochi-Crihan, the City of Saskatoon’s entomologist, explained that ladybug populations fluctuate in cycles, with the current period experiencing a surge. She emphasized the importance of food availability in influencing ladybug numbers, as these insects primarily feed on aphids, scale insects, and other pests.
Although Regina has not experienced a significant increase in ladybug numbers this year, Ashley Thompson, the manager of parks technical services for the City of Regina, noted a rise in aphid populations, which can support the survival of ladybugs. Similarly, Vesna Fa observed a high abundance of aphids in North Battleford during the summer, attracting ladybugs to the area.
Fa, the executive director of Midwest Food Resources, emphasized the beneficial role of ladybugs in gardens and advised against using pesticides on them. Candace Savage of Wild About Saskatoon praised the province’s diverse ladybug species and stressed the importance of preserving native plants to support these insects.
As ladybugs prepare for hibernation, they gather in warm locations such as the sides of buildings in Regina, according to Thompson. Antochi-Crihan highlighted the ladybugs’ ability to survive harsh prairie winters through the production of internal antifreeze compounds. The ladybug population is expected to increase again next spring as they emerge from hibernation.