Where Are All These Ladybugs Coming From?

Some regions of the US, especially the Northeast, seem to be getting ladybug infestations early this season. Luckily, of all the bugs that could infest your house, ladybugs are the most attractive and peaceful of the bunch. They are harmless and some even consider them lucky. But swarms of these cute little beetles have taken over some homes.

Coccinellidae, most commonly known as ladybugs, are small insects that can be red, yellow or orange with small black dots on their wing covers. Ladybugs are considered useful and lucky, and great for your garden, since they help by eating aphids. Aphids, also known as plant lice, are small plant eating bugs which harm maple, pine, fruit trees and most cultivated plants. So, ladybugs are aphids' natural enemies and our allies, as they can eat in a day, as many as 50 aphids.

As the weather gets cold and with the early snow some regions received, ladybugs are on the move and looking for a warmer home. The amount of these beetles may have increased this year because of all the rain and most likely the reason they have been so noticeable recently. If ladybugs get inside your home, don't worry, they won't cause trouble, as they basically just want to hibernate for the winter. Most likely they will find some place out of the way in your home to sleep. And since ladybugs live off their own body fats, they will not eat anything in your house.

Ladybugs seem to like light colored houses and homes with the greatest exposure to the sun. Since they especially enjoy the sunny sides, you should seal your windows to avoid the invasion. They will come in through small cracks, so repairing damaged window and door trims as well as caulking the small cracks will also help keep them out.

Experts suggest not squashing the ladybugs, as they become foul smelling yellow liquid. Also, when they get disturbed and stressed, they will leave the yellow markings, on walls and light colored surfaces. This yellow fluid is actually their blood and one of their defense mechanisms. What predator would want to eat this foul smelling and tasting insect? They also protect themselves with their colors, which predators see as warnings and by rolling up and playing dead.

Many people may want to get rid of the swarms of ladybugs in their homes. You do not have to use pesticides, instead sweep them or vacuum them up. Use a clean bag in the vacuum and release them outside. There is also a product called Ladybug Black Light Trap that attracts them to the light and contains them. If you do decide to use pesticides, you may want to have a professional administer them. Or, you can wait until the spring, open your windows and they will fly out on their own.

Sources:

Ladybuglady.com

Nationalgeographic.com