Lacewings, whose larvae eat huge amounts of aphids, are welcome guests in the natural garden and on the windowsill. What is less known is that the delicate web-winged birds are cultural followers and spend the cold season in our immediate neighborhood.
How do lacewings overwinter?
In the wild, lacewings overwinterin frost-free placesoutdoors, for example inpiles of leaves. The animals also migrate into buildings, where they settle behind pictures, curtains, cupboards or in a quiet place in the attic.
Can lacewings overwinter indoors?
lacewingscanalsowinter in the house. So that the insects can survive the cold season here, but the conditions are right:
- Sugar or honey water is suitable as food.
- Put active animals on your houseplants.
- Ensure good humidity by placing bowls filled with water between the plants.
- Discover one of the delicate creatures behind the curtain, just let it stay there in peace.
How do I build a lacewing box as a winter quarters?
A small, cube-shaped lacewing box made of wood can bebuilt using simple means:
- Nail together and smooth the side and back walls as well as the roof.
- Insert strips inclined at 45 degrees at a close distance into the still open areas.
- Before attaching the last boards, fill the lacewing box with wheat straw.
- Paint the finished shelter red, because this is the color the golden eyes fly to.
- Hang up in the garden at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters so that the open side faces away from the wind.
Tip
Introducing lacewings in the garden
You can easily lure the helpers in the fight against aphids into the garden because the animals are magically attracted to the scent of catnip. Since the adult insects feed exclusively on nectar and pollen, appropriate plants should also be cultivated. A blooming flower meadow is ideal, as it is also very popular with many other beneficial insects.
