Bringing this back to the top...

Here is a pretty cool video I found: Releasing Beneficial Insects in your Garden. I have yet to purchase predator bugs, because there seem to be plenty of them in my garden already, but it's something to consider.

Jasminerose, how long is that video? I have satellite internet and can't watch a lot of videos due to limited bandwidth. If it's only a few minutes long though I'd love to watch it!

It's 5 minutes (4:59). Is that too long?

I should be able to watch that. Thanks!

I watched the video, and it gave some interesting tips on releasing the insects, thanks! If no one comes and warns me not to order them I think I'll go forward with my plans when the pests are in a good enough supply to feed my little predator friends.

I ordered ladybugs online the year before last and it was fun to talk about beneficial bugs to my kids and it was fun to release them. I did see the ladybugs eat a few aphids. Last year there were less aphids to deal with but I don't know if that's because of the ladybugs I released a year prior or not.

I'd really like to get Pirate Bugs, because they seem like they'd work best here and I saw a couple last year. I can't seem to find them for less than $67 for 500. Does anyone know where I can find them? Also, I read their food supply shrinks at the end of summer and so they tend to bite out of hunger. Do you think bee pollen granules would be a good substitute, since they can also eat pollen?

That sounds really pricey to me. There are lady beetles, lacewings and praying mantis on Amazon for much less. Also if you plant lots of companion flowers and don't spray chemicals, the predators will naturally come to your garden.

It is pricy, which is why I was hoping someone would have a tip for me.

Oops, I was editing my post while you were adding yours. Rosecandy, I hope the Amazon tip helps.

We have a lot of praying mantis, if the many nests I find are any indication. I never find any in my garden, though. I plan to plant some companion plants someday, but every time I research them it seems like they always grow into a bush! I just finished fencing in my garden to keep deer and rabbits out - I can't afford to expand it for non-roses. I also really don't want my young rose plants to have to compete with something like marigolds right now, since they're only about a year old and I just finished planting about 14 more from bands.

That's why I'm thinking predator insects, which unfortunately seems to be another dead end. I can't find pirate bugs for a more reasonable price ($65 might be reasonable for 500 of them, but I don't need 500 of them) and I keep reading that lady bugs and lacewings prefer aphids over thrips and that they'll fly off and/or eat each other. You also need to "apply" them after you're already infested, vs. the pirate bugs which can be used as a preventive. I might try asking around to see if anyone wants to split the bugs and cost with me....maybe I'll get lucky.

Does anyone know if pirate bugs can be fed something at the end of summer to keep them from biting people?