The Preying Mantis as Guardian of the AP world ...

[Bob Vento]

Morning all,

I have read many accounts that the preying mantis is the best organic pest control around. 

Where can I get some?

I noticed a couple of vendors that sell them, however they will not ship to Florida, anyone know why?

I remember seeing them as a kid up North in Pittsburgh and remember being told it was illegal to kill them, but don't know why ... heck I was just a kid and did not question my Father when he told me.

Maybe he just wanted me to leave them alone. 

Regards,
Bob

[Nelson Verde]

I don't know if they live in your area however one easy way of finding out is to switch on a black-light. All inssects are atracted to them and that includes the preying mantis not to mention that they will love all the "free" food that is also atracted to the light :P

[TCLynx]

I saw a preying mantis last week so they live in Central FL at least.  You might want to check around at hydroponics shops down there to see if any of them have venders that will sell them to you.  Shipping to FL this time of year it is hot and shipping live creatures carries risks of the creatures not arriving alive.  I don't know if that is the reason you haven't been able to find some one to ship them to you but I suppose it's possible.

[FormulaX]

Most non-native animals are illegal to import to florida because florida has a serious problem with people letting exotic animals go free.  Florida has so many non-native animals thriving, that it's starting to become a problem.  For example, anacondas are now breeding and thriving in the everglades, and they feed a lot on the non-native feral pigs that are also a pest problem in the south-eastern U.S.   Other reptiles, birds, small mammals, and fish (notably the snakehead species), are thriving in Florida.

It is 'illegal' to kill praying mantis' because they are a protected species, just as it is illegal to hunt herons, or rip up forest fern.

Mantis' need warm weather, they are only around in the spring/summer in the northeast, and i'm not quite sure of their hibernation methods, but i believe they make some sort of cocoon and reanimate when the weather warms up.

I would also support species of spiders as good anti-pest measure, especially the non-web weaving kind, ive seen a few around my plants and dont have webs all over my peppers or herbs.

[TCLynx]

Oh Thanks Tonya for that link!!!!!!  Looks like a great site