Is there a way to attract Praying Mantids to a yard?

Question

Is there a way to attract Praying Mantids to a yard?

Answer 1

Absolutely! Depends on where you live, but they tend to like anything in the rose bush or raspberry family so planting something like that could help. Also, tall grass and a bushes in general, with places for them to hide and, especially, to hang upside down for molting are best. They are prey animals so anything you can do to attract things like grasshoppers, flies, ladybugs, etc to the yard will also be helpful (just don't go overboard, you don't want flies all over the place trust me). It will be more difficult if you live in an area where mantids are scarce to begin with, but these things should help. Also, if you continue to have trouble, you can easily buy a few nymphs from a breeder or even a garden store. Just make sure if you buy any exotic nymphs from breeders you DO NOT release them into your yard. If you are uncertain contact the breeder or store you get them from and ask if they are able to be released. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Unfortunately NO.  Since they prey upon other insects, you'd need a yard infested with insects to "attract" them.  But, you can buy the egg cases because Preying Mantises are very beneficial residents to any garden while they help rid it of pesky, unwanted insects like mosquitoes, flys, moths, gnats, grasshoppers, crickets, aphids, and any thing else that comes their way.

You can buy these egg cases over the internet I believe.

They are wonderful, fascinating, and beautiful insects, and help a great deal to keep our planet healthy and strong.