Ladybugs are highly visible throughout 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 an increase in ladybug numbers. The abundance of food sources such as aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs plays a crucial role in attracting and sustaining ladybugs.
While Regina has not seen a significant surge in ladybugs this year, there has been a notable presence of aphids, which support the survival of ladybugs, according to Ashley Thompson, the manager of parks technical services for the City of Regina. A similar observation was made in North Battleford by Vesna Fa, who noted a high aphid population that likely drew ladybugs to the area.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving ladybugs, Fa, the executive director of Midwest Food Resources, urged people not to harm these beneficial insects. Candace Savage, chair of Wild About Saskatoon, highlighted the positive impact of ladybugs on the environment and stressed the significance of providing habitat for both native and introduced species.
As ladybugs prepare for hibernation, they are congregating in warm locations in Regina, noted Thompson. Antochi-Crihan mentioned that ladybugs possess natural compounds that help them survive freezing temperatures during winter. The anticipated emergence of ladybugs in large numbers next spring is expected as they come out of hibernation.
