‘Super duper excited’: Kids release ladybugs at Victoria Park

Thursday was a big day for kids in Regina.

Hundreds of children released more than 200,000 ladybugs at Victoria Park on Thursday as part of the City’s annual ladybug event.

Russell Eirich, the city’s manager of open space services, said the goal is to show kids how to naturally control aphids, mites, and other garden pests in the environment.

Regina Mayor Sandra Masters helps kids during the annual ladybug release event in Regina on July 11, 2024. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

“We show them what the ladybugs are, what they do, we show them how to put them on a tree and let them go,” he said.

“The kids really just have a lot of fun playing with the insects at the same time.”

Releasing the ladybugs helps the city control aphids, mites and other pests without the use of pesticides. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

Eirich said releasing ladybugs allows the city to control aphids without using pesticides.

Navi Fazakas explained in her own words how the ladybugs help the environment.

“They eat bugs and they help the garden grow,” said Fazakas.

Regina’s annual ladybug release was fun for all ages. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

Tenley Hollyoak took her container of ladybugs and set them free near a tree.

“We are letting ladybugs out downtown,” Hollyoak said. “I like how they all scatter around.”

Kids learned about the environment and how ladybugs help control pests during the annual event in Regina. (Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

“We’re getting ladybugs! Super duper excited!” exclaimed Rebecca Schmidt.

“The orangish-yellow ones are boys and the red ones are  girls.”

(Abby Zieverink/980 CJME)

Kellen Husdal shared what he loves most about ladybugs.

“They can fly and they go on trees,” he said. “They’re so cool!”

Alexia Schmidt, who also took part in the event, said it’s easy to tell how ladybugs feel.

“If they hate you, they pee on you,” she said.