The Invasion of the Ladybugs

They're baaack! I went out to my car this morning and there they were. Hundreds of the little creatures. Yes, I'm talking about my annual invasion of Ladybugs.

I know, I know. Ladybugs are so cute. Cute, anyway, when you find one on your shirt on a beautiful summer afternoon. Not so cute when there are so many it might qualify as an infestation.

Actually, when the weather turns colder these little beetles are looking for a place to hibernate. They like light colored places: that must be why they are so attracted to my slate gray siding. Luckily for me, they rarely make it into the house. Instead, they congregate on the outside of my house and get under the siding.

So, what can be done to get rid of a Ladybug Invasion? Well, for starters, do not go around smashing them! If you have ever smashed one, you know that they really do emit a foul smell when smashed. Now, imagine smashing dozens, maybe even hundreds, of them. Not a good idea.

Instead, try vacuuming them up and disposing the vacuum bag in a sealed plastic garbage bag. Be sure to leave the attachment outside when you are done. Otherwise, you may find a stray Ladybug, or 10, eventually make its way from the vacuum hose into your house.

Another good way to get rid of Ladybugs from the outside of your house is to use a strong stream of water from your garden hose. You can use an insecticidal soap if you want to. It will kill the Ladybugs that are there, but it will not provide a residual killing effect. In other words, any Ladybugs who are not at home when you spray will be just fine and dandy.

If you are not opposed to chemical methods, try spraying the areas of infestation with cypermethrin. It will kill the ones it hits, and leaves a residual trace that will kill the others when they get home.

If you only have a few Ladybugs, you could try traps. Ladybug traps are safer and more environmentally conscious than chemicals, but if you have a true Ladybug Invasion you will probably need a whole lot of traps.

Finally, be sure to seal up any tiny cracks or crevices that will allow Ladybugs into your home as well as any areas you see them sneaking into outside your home, like under your siding. A can or two of foam sealant should be enough to do the trick.

Remember, try to get rid of them as soon as you notice them. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to stop the Ladybug Invasion.

Sources:
ladybuglady.com
bugspray.com
frugalmom.net