Ladybugs Sent to the Rescue

VALLEY VILLAGE — Los Angeles city park workers in three aerial-lift trucks scattered cupfuls of ladybug beetles onto branches of 75-foot eucalyptus trees late Tuesday in the first experiment to combat an infestation of foreign bugs attacking trees at Valley Village Park.

Destructive insects--Australian redgum lerp psyllids--were first discovered in El Monte last year and have now spread through much of the state. The infestation at the park is considered one of the worst in Los Angeles.

More than 2 million of the beneficial ladybugs were released into about 70 trees. Parks officials said it will take 30 to 45 days to determine if the project succeeds.

“Anything the city can do to protect these trees is definitely a plus,” said Paula Humerick, among several dozen neighbors on hand for Tuesday’s launch of the experiment.

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Ladybug Release

Convergent Ladybug Beetle

Hippodamia convergens

Habitat: Woods, meadows and gardens.

Range: Throughout North America

Food: aphids and other small insects.

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Sources: Los Angeles Agricultural Commissioner’s Office; Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders.