Best Organic Insect Control Method – The Praying Mantis
Posted on August 20, 2009 by Nancy Houser
Considered the best organic insect control method available in the world of natural preventives, the praying mantids, or praying mantises, are considered a carnivorous insect with over 2,000 species.
The word “mantis” originates from the Greek word for “prophet” or “soothsayer” because of the position of its large front legs which make it look as if it is always praying. In actuality, those front legs are what grasps its victims in a paralyzing grip.
The first time I ever set eyes on a praying mantis was outside my mother’s door on her landing. Immediately falling in love with the wise old eyes and the gentle manner of the insect which seems totally unafraid of me, I took it home and have been attached to them ever since.
The praying mantis is used for the organic control of moths, flies, mosquitoes, beetles, spiders and grasshoppers yet is not harmful to mankind. Ranging from three to four inches in length, the “Tenodera aridifolia sinensis” can also extend to 12 inches long in some areas. Beginning its life in an egg case, the case can hatch out from 100 to 400 eggs in the spring.
WHAT DOES THE PRAYING MANTIS EAT?
When first hatched, the praying mantis begins consuming its siblings, leaf hoppers, aphids, and mosquitoes, before becoming large enough to feed on beetles, spiders, moths, butterflies, and grasshoppers over the summer as it matures into adulthood.
As adults, the large praying mantis consumes small tree frogs, lizards, mice and hummingbirds or small nesting birds. Once the females lay their eggs in the fall on sticks and undersides of leaves, they will die about three weeks later.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE THE PRAYING MANTIS?
The praying mantis can eat about 16 crickets per day and eat over 21 species of insects. Not only used as an insect control, many people also make pets out of them. They never bite, but will pinch if handled incorrectly, flying off in total dismay.
Considered best in the Central part of the states, they are are kept well in the northeastern part. But temperatures on the average of 70 to 80 degrees with a 60 to 65% humidity are best suited for them, being seen in the middle of August in southern Nebraska as young ones after the spring rain is gone. With camouflage important for their survival, they are the only insect which can turn in a full 180-degree angle from side to sid with their eyes able to see the slightest movement 60 feet away.
Also, the have ultrasound ears located in the thorax region on the Metathorax. Their hollow chamber of their body is a means of detecting bats, their most feared predators so they are able to drastically change their flight patter when they hear certain sound frequencies.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIES IS LEGAL FOR PRAYING MANTIS IN THE UNITED STATES?
The only legal species of praying mantis in the United States from outside the U.S. are the T sinensis Chinese species and European M religiosa species of mantids to obtain, breed, keep, sell or purchase.
Otherwise, the only ones allowed are the 20 U.S. native species’ with all other mantids banned under the Invasive species act of 1992. No permits are required for common mantids, crickets and fruit flies.
PLACING YOUR OWN PRAYING MANTIS EGG CASES
With the egg cases of the praying mantis containing from 100 to 400 eggs, they should be spread at a rate of 3 egg cases per 5,000 square feet outside int he fall or spring. As soon as they emerge from the eggs, they will begin eating each other and other insects. Eventually, they will spread out with their numbers decreasing to match their food supply.
Some people hatching them out in aquariums, timing their release when it becomes warm in temperature. If they are placed outside before insects hatch out, they will quickly devour each other as they are voracious eaters. Some estimates in prices are 3 egg cases at $12.00; 5 egg cases at $15.00; 10 egg cases at $24.00; and 20 or more cases at $1.95 each.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply
