Ladybugs as a Natural Pesticide with Adelphi Green

Some of the greatest memories from my childhood revolve around gardening. There was always someone in my family digging, planting or watering. My siblings and I would spend long summer days at our grandparents, helping our grandparents find the perfect cucumber to pick for lunch. We would spend hours laying on the floor of my mothers green house driving matchbox cars through the dirt. I always found so much peace in the simple act of digging in the dirt.

Now that I have children of my own, I want them to have as many beautiful memories as I have. My son already has an affinity for digging and creating incredible mud pits. My daughter loves walking around our backyard to see if she can discover a new flower. I love seeing them at peace in the natural world. As a parent, I know it is my responsibility to make sure their environment is as child friendly as possible. Having a safe, pesticide free yard to play in is one of my top priorities.

One of the ways that I am able to keep our yard pesticide free is by releasing ladybugs in our yard each spring. Ladybugs are amazing little insects, they are most commonly used for controlling aphid populations in your yard and garden. Aphids are particularly destructive as they mainly feed on young leaves and shoots, destroying new growth and damaging prior growth. One adult ladybug can eat up to one thousand ladybugs a day. That is pretty good for a days work! Ladybugs also eat mealy bugs, broccoli worms, pit scales, tomato horn worms, and boll worms. Releasing ladybugs can be quite beneficial to your yard.

As a ladybug enthusiast, I was thrilled to hear about one of our local colleges creating 100% Pesticide Free Grounds. Adelphi is a completely green campus, using only 100% natural, organic techniques to maintain the flora. The arboretum staff has eliminated all petroleum-based chemical fertilizers. They also use fish and seaweed-based natural nutrients for their organic fertilizers. All chemical herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides have been eliminated from the Adelphi campus. Their natural pest management methods include the use of organic oils and soaps. Adelphi also has an Annual Adelphi Ladybug Release!

As a both a parent and a Long Islander, I am impressed with all of the steps Adelphi is taking to be a leader in the field of energy conservation and recycling in our community. Adelphi University is busy developing programs and policies that will ensure an environmentally friendly and fuel efficient environment. You can find inspiring photos of the Adelphi University Arboretum on Pinterest. You can learn more about Adelphi Goes Green and Fresh Air Adelphi on their website. Hopefully you will be inspired to make a few green changes of your own!

Thanks for Reading,

Daniele

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Adelphi University. The opinions and text are all mine.

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