Spraying lady bugs

[Lokii13]

So i have 7 plants in two varieties in their first year. I have quite a few aphids on most of the plants (went out of town for a week) and have bought some spray to control them. I went out to spray yesterday and saw 2 lady bugs on one of the plants. I know the spray will help kill off the aphids, but what effect will it have on the ladybugs? Hate to kill the ladybugs but just two aren't going to take care of the nasty aphid problem on 7 plants.

I assume the spray is a basic soap water mixture that's bottled and sold overpriced. Think it will kill the ladybugs too?

 

[Nanobru]

Probably. The best treatment by far (and Im not even a dirty hippie), is to use lady bugs which can be purchased at most nurseries. They are voracious carnivores, and the best part is they are extremely efficient, cheap and chemical free. I get mine in a little quart container. Release half at night when it is cool and they will eat everything (minus your plants) in sight. Then, sadly, fly off to greener pastures, which is why you keep the other half in reserve.

 

[TXCrash]

Ladybugs rock. I bought some around 5 years ago and the population that hung around has kept the bad bugs in check. Keep in mind, however, that I'm a minimal user of garden chemicals - so my garden is a friendly environment for the ladybugs - your mileage may vary.

*Edit: in response to the question - the spray will probably kill the ladybugs - don't use it. Return the spray and spend half the money on a bag of ladybugs.