Minnesota’s Unique Earth Day Celebration: Mall of America Unleashes 144,000 Ladybugs!

Thousands of ladybugs storm the country’s biggest mall—not for shopping, but for survival of the plants. 🌐 #News #BloomingtonMN #Minnesota #UpliftingNews

BLOOMINGTON, MN — In a vivid celebration of Earth Day, the Mall of America in Minnesota turned heads by releasing a jaw-dropping 144,000 ladybugs into its massive indoor space.

Ladybugs Take Over Nickelodeon Universe

It wasn’t a science fiction scene—it was a real-life insect invasion. Shoppers watched as tiny red beetles fanned out across the mall, kicked off by a ceremonial release at the Nickelodeon Universe theme park.

But this wasn’t just for show. These insects are part of the mall’s bold push to protect its indoor gardens without resorting to chemical pesticides.

Plant Guardians with Wings

Inside the mall’s 5.5 million square feet lie over 30,000 plants, which double as a natural air filtration system for the endless parade of visitors. Keeping those plants pest-free is no small feat, but these ladybugs are up for the job.

Their mission? Devour harmful insects before they can do damage, all while leaving the mall’s eco-friendly image spotless.

More Than a Gimmick—It’s a Statement

This buggy spectacle isn’t just an annual tradition—it’s part of the mall’s broader pledge to green practices. The timing also struck a deeper chord this year, as federal cuts to environmental programs cast a shadow over Earth Day.

For many watching the ladybugs scatter, the release wasn’t just about nature—it was a buzzing protest against dwindling environmental protections.

Ladybugs at the mall may seem cute, but they’re playing a big role in a much bigger fight.