Wanting Garden mantis in Canada, is it possible?!

[user 13424]

Hey there!

Just joined, newbie to here & also the mantis world. Joining more on behalf of my mom but also me because I’m interested in this as well!

We live in Saskatchewan, Canada & we are hoping to get some praying mantis for the garden to be a natural pest control compared to using pesticides
We don’t know much about this at all & wouldn’t be keeping them as pets.. even though I know we will be trying to name them and love them ahaha!

Is it even possible to get them here for this reason & does anyone have info on where.. we can get them?

Thanks so so much in advance, I hope i posted this question in the right thread! Been a minute since I’ve hopped onto a forum

 

[TheWolven]

Hey there!

Just joined, newbie to here & also the mantis world. Joining more on behalf of my mom but also me because I’m interested in this as well!

We live in Saskatchewan, Canada & we are hoping to get some praying mantis for the garden to be a natural pest control compared to using pesticides
We don’t know much about this at all & wouldn’t be keeping them as pets.. even though I know we will be trying to name them and love them ahaha!

Is it even possible to get them here for this reason & does anyone have info on where.. we can get them?

Thanks so so much in advance, I hope i posted this question in the right thread! Been a minute since I’ve hopped onto a forum

The only native mantis to Canada is Litaneutria minor (British Columbia) so it would be the only mantis you could order from the U.S I believe. As for pest control, mantises are a poor choice. In reality, mantises are generalists. They'll eat your pests sure, but they'll also eat bees, butterflies, moths, and flies. Those are important pollinators and beneficial insects. I recommend looking into other forms of pest control. Especially if it gets cold where you live.

 

[happy1892]

European mantises are invasive in parts of Canada. Maybe you can try raising those in the harsh winter climate of Canada where you are?

 

[ANTdrew]

Wasps, ants, and birds would be more effective at controlling insect pests in your climate. Put up a bunch of wren houses and don’t freak out about wasp and ant nests in your yard.

 

[hibiscusmile]

Chinese mantis are located about every where. That's the one u need.