Ever spotted a ladybug crawling on your window and wondered what it actually eats? You’re not alone. What do ladybugs eat is one of those questions that seems simple, but once you dig in, it gets interesting fast.
Ladybugs aren’t just cute little red bugs. They’re natural pest controllers with a very specific diet. In this guide, we’ll break down what do ladybugs eat and drink, what they eat indoors, during winter, and even what to feed them if you’re keeping one as a pet. No fluff, no robotic explanations. Just clear, real answers.
What Do Ladybugs Eat in the Wild?
In nature, ladybugs are predators. Their favorite food is soft bodied garden pests that destroy plants.
Their main diet includes
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Aphids
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Whiteflies
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Spider mites
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Scale insects
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Mealybugs
A single ladybug can eat 50 or more aphids per day, which is why gardeners love them. This answers the most common version of the question what do ladybugs eat? They eat pests that harm plants.
What Do Ladybugs Eat Besides Aphids?
Aphids are the top choice, but they’re not the only thing on the menu.
What do ladybugs eat other than aphids
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Thrips
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Leafhopper larvae
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Small caterpillars
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Insect eggs
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Pollen and nectar when insects are scarce
So if you’re asking what do ladybugs eat besides aphids, the answer is simple. They adapt. When prey is limited, they switch to other small insects or even plant based food.
What Do Ladybugs Eat and Drink?
Ladybugs don’t drink water the way pets do, but they still need moisture to survive.
What do ladybugs eat and drink
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Food comes from insects and pollen
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Water comes from dew, rain droplets, or moisture on leaves
Indoors, they may sip tiny drops of water from damp surfaces. A light mist is enough for hydration.
What Do Ladybugs Eat in the House?
Finding ladybugs indoors is common, especially in cooler months. But houses don’t offer their natural food supply.
What do ladybugs eat in the house
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Very little
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Sometimes nothing at all
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Rarely crumbs or sugary residue
Ladybugs that enter homes usually aren’t there to eat. They’re looking for warmth and shelter. This also answers what do ladybugs eat indoors. The short answer is almost nothing.
What Do Ladybugs Eat Indoors If You Keep One?
If you’ve picked one up and decided to keep it temporarily, food becomes important.
What do ladybugs eat indoors
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Aphids collected from plants
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Raisins soaked in water
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Honey diluted with water
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Lettuce leaves for moisture
Avoid dry environments. Without moisture, ladybugs won’t survive long indoors.
What Do Ladybugs Eat in the Winter?
Winter changes everything. Ladybugs slow down and enter a resting state called diapause.
What do ladybugs eat in the winter
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Usually nothing
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They live off stored body fat
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Occasionally sip moisture
That’s why they cluster in large groups. It helps conserve energy. If you see one during winter, it’s not hungry. It’s just waiting.
Pet Ladybugs: What Do Ladybugs Eat as Pets?
Yes, people keep ladybugs as short term pets or for garden release.
Pet what do ladybugs eat
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Live aphids if available
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Honey water using a cotton swab
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Water misted lightly once a day
Never overfeed. Ladybugs eat small amounts and excess food can cause mold.
What Do Baby Ladybugs Eat?
Ladybug larvae eat even more than adults. They look nothing like the cute red beetles you’re used to seeing.
Their diet includes
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Aphids in large quantities
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Mites
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Insect eggs
Larvae are aggressive eaters and essential for pest control.
What Ladybugs Do Not Eat
Knowing what not to feed them is just as important.
Avoid giving ladybugs
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Bread or grains
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Meat or dairy
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Processed sugar
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Dry food
These can harm or kill them.
Why Knowing What Do Ladybugs Eat Matters
Understanding what do ladybugs eat helps gardeners, homeowners, and pet keepers protect them properly. Feeding them the wrong thing or keeping them in dry conditions does more harm than good.
FAQs About What Do Ladybugs Eat
What do ladybugs eat indoors if there are no aphids
They usually don’t eat much at all. Indoors, they rely on stored energy and moisture.
What do ladybugs eat in the house during winter
Nothing. They are in survival mode and not actively feeding.
Can ladybugs drink plain water
Yes, but only tiny droplets. Never place them in standing water.
What do ladybugs eat besides aphids when food is scarce
They may eat pollen, nectar, or other small insects.
How long can ladybugs live without food
Several weeks, especially during winter or indoors.
Also Read: How to Clean a Microwave
Conclusion: So, What Do Ladybugs Eat?
To wrap it up, what do ladybugs eat depends on where they are and the season. Outdoors, they feast on aphids and garden pests. Indoors and in winter, they eat very little or nothing at all. If kept as pets, they need moisture and light feeding to survive.
If you’re interested in helpful insects, garden care, or pet friendly bug guides, this is a great place to explore further.
