praying mantis as a bug killer?

[werecat]

Ok how good are they as a natural bug killer. My sister's and my mum's yards are absolutely alive with them. Come spring when they are newly hatched they have both offered me some for my yard or this fall they will hunt down some egg sacks for me to take and keep here for when I begin my garden. Is this a good thing or is their help marginal? I don't want to uproot the beasties if they wont do any good. I know they do well where they are, but wouldnt want to risk them not doing well here if they are only a bare minium of help. Better they be where they are if they wont help much.

[redbrick]

They tend to be rather indiscriminate eaters, picking on anything their size or smaller. Including each other if game gets scarce. Honestly, I don't know how well they'll move now, but you should be able to do it. I've always used egg masses (well, OK, whenever I started a new garden, that is!) Chances are, there are so many that a few emigree's won't be missed, and might even get eaten if they aren't moved.