They left for the nursery in search of a bag of dirt to plant new grass seedlings. They returned with said dirt, and a container of 1,500 ladybugs.

It's not the first time we've released ladybugs in our backyard. But there's something slightly odd about having to store them in your refrigerator next to what could be in your next meal. You know there's no possible way they can escape––unless your kids secretly release them––and yet, when you eat your dinner, you wonder if that piece of tender something or other your teeth just touched could have been, no, I won't dare to think it.

Releasing ladybugs in the garden with your kids should be on the list of things you must do with your kids. You can buy 1/8 pint at your local gardening store for about ten bucks.

 In the early evening when it's coolest, lightly water your garden and focus on the spots where you plan to let the ladybugs do their aphid-eating work. Then ask your kids to help you gently remove the top from the container containing more ladybugs than you thought you'd ever imagine yourself seeing in one instance. Scatter the bugs throughout your garden, watching their tiny wings flutter as they find a new home.

Smile when your kids try to get the bugs to land on their fingers.

Let one––or twelve––march in your hand, turning this way and that.

Marvel at the 1,500 ladybugs that will protect your plants from other destructive creepy crawlies.

Proceed to cringe and feel itchy because 1,500 ladybugs are in your garden, and this fact is slightly freaking you out.