Lady bugs – Good or Bad?

Lady bugs were originally introduced to the US to control aphids on plants. The adult beetles and larvae can eat literally hundreds of aphids each day. They are actually considered to be beneficial insects, but many of us consider them to be a nuisance. Lady bugs live outdoors during the summer by eating aphids and some other ornamental and vegetable plants. In late summer and fall they gather in large numbers around the perimeter of houses for warmth and unfortunately some make their way inside to overwinter.

Obviously, the best control strategy for these beetles is keeping them on the outside of the home. Sealing around windows, window screens, pipes and siding is the first weapon in the fight to have a beetle free home. For those bugs that have made their way inside of the home, a vacuum cleaner is a great tool. Use the vacuum around widow casings, walls and baseboards.

Lady bugs are drawn to overgrown areas, so keeping the areas around the perimeter of your home well-trimmed will also be helpful in controlling the population. Like many other insects, lady bugs are drawn to light. Keeping outside lights off at night – as well as the light above your kitchen sink – is helpful to keep from attracting insects into your home.

During sunny and warm winter days you may see an increase in the numbers of lady bugs inside of your home. This would be the time to utilize your vacuum cleaner for removal of these pests. Dead bugs can’t breed.

If you are having a lady bug (or any other insect) issue you need help with, give us a call. We are always happy to help!