How to Build a Ladybug House

How to Build a Ladybug House

Love the little red creatures that crawl across your hand in the spring? Now that this time is arriving, make a ladybug house out of simple materials to house these cute little creatures!

[edit] Steps

1. Find a piece of cardboard in the form of a box or sheet. Cut out of it 5, 5x5 inch squares. Tape or glue them together. There should be one side that does not have a cover. This is the entrance.

2. Decorate your little house of wonder. Ladybugs are attracted to light blue, pink and yellow. Paint or cover the box in light blue, and paint or glue on pink and yellow flowers. The inside doesn't have to be painted, unless you really want it to be.

3. Add a water source. Lady bugs are really attracted to water. They spend their entire lifespan searching for it. Out of tin foil, create a pool that is about 5 inches long and very, very shallow, like half the size of a lady bug. If you have a small Styrofoam plate, all the better! Fill it with tap water. Add rocks and leave, but not to many or it will weigh down the house. Also add a damp paper towel, folded up into the interior. Throw in some cheese for good measure.

4. Place your house on a sturdy tree branch, and place the pool right next to it. Spray your whole hotel with sweet, fruity perfume, give it an hour or two, and you've got ladybugs crawling!


[edit] Tips

* Do this only during spring; it will probably not work during any other time.
* If you want your house to last for a long time, make it out of wood instead of cardboard.


[edit] Warnings

* It is almost guaranteed that ladybugs will swarm, but don't tell younger children; they might get too sure of themselves and cry if none come.


[edit] Things You'll Need

* Pink, light blue, and yellow construction paper or paint
* Cardboard
* Paper towel (optional)
* Water
* Cheese (optional)
* Perfume

How to Build a Ladybug House