March 17, 2017 - Periodically, staff of the City of Thunder Bay's Forestry and Horticulture Section release beneficial insects at the Centennial Botanical Conservatory. Once released, these hunter insects travel through the Conservatory and greenhouses, consuming "victim" insect pests in egg, larval and adult form.

9,000 ladybugs (Ladybird Beetles) will be released today at 5 pm. Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, mealy bugs and scale insects. In addition, Lindorus (a black lady beetle) will be released, along with Common Lacewing, and everyone's favorite, Praying Mantis. Mantises arrive at the Conservatory still in egg cases; a hatching chamber will be installed so that children can witness the eggs hatching as longer, warmer days approach.

"The Conservatory has not used chemical pesticides for at least four years," said Mike Dixon, Supervisor of the City's Forestry and Horticulture Section. "Conservatory staff manually remove insect pests by washing leaves, and employ friendly insects for pest control."

The Centennial Botanical Conservatory is open to the public daily, except for certain holidays. Hours are available at thunderbay.ca/conservatory

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Contact: Karen Nadeau - Leadhand, Thunder Bay Botanical Conservatory, 622-7036