They’re Not What They Look Like—Ladybug Larvae Means Trouble!

Sat, 02 May 2026 19:35:42 +0000

They’re Not What They Look Like: Ladybug Larvae Mean Trouble in Your Garden If you’ve spotted tiny, moins-than-adorable ladybug larvae crawling around your plants, don’t dismiss them so quickly—those little bugs might signal something bigger. While adult ladybugs are beloved garden helpers, their larval stage can become a real pest if left unchecked. In this article, we’ll uncover what puts ladybug larvae in your garden, why they’re problematic, and how to manage them effectively. ### Meet the Ladybug Larva: Small but Menacing Ladybug larvae look quite different from their adult, spotted counterparts. Typically elongated, segmented, and often brightly patterned in black, orange, and yellow, they’re sometimes mistaken for aphids or other garden pests—but they’re definitely ladybugs. More importantly, contrary to their cute appearance, these larvae are voracious predators of aphids, mites, and scale—helpful at first. However, when their numbers explode or conditions shift, they can move beyond pest control and become a nuisance.