Ladybugs set to descend on Regina’s Victoria Park

A loveliness of ladybugs will be at Victoria Park on Thursday.

The City of Regina is inviting children, families and other residents to the release of more than 200,000 ladybugs in hopes they’ll keep plants and trees in the city healthy.

The event is to be held between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., on the west side of Victoria Park. People can learn about ladybugs before releasing them in the park or taking them home to release in residents’ yards or neighbourhood parks.

In a media release, the city said ladybug-themed attire is encouraged. There will also be face-painting and treats while quantities last.

“With their appetite for aphids, mites and other garden pests, ladybugs act as natural predators, reducing the need for chemical pesticides,” the city said in the release. “By introducing these charming insects again this year, the City aims to continue with options for more organic and sustainable pest control.”

The release said free parking is available in the Cornwall Centre parkades (2183 Saskatchewan Dr. and 1702 Hamilton St.). People should take their parkade ticket to the event to have it stamped by a city employee, then take it to Guest Services on the main floor of the Cornwall Centre to have it validated.