Getting Ladybugs Out Of Your House – Ag Matters

Ladybugs are actually a very benefecial creature, but you may not feel that way when they invade your home. The Master Gardeners at Cornell Cooperative Extension have some tips on keeping them out of your home without harming them.

The Asian lady beetle, also called ladybug were imported in the early 1900's and again in the 1960's to 1980's to help control tree-feeding aphids. Now, these insects thrive in many parts of the country.

These beetles are actually a beneficial garden insect; they can consume over 300 aphids a day which helps to reduce the need for pesticides. This has actually benefited many agricultural crops such as pecans, nearly eliminating the pecan aphid. They are only a nuisance insect to homeowners because of their habit to seek shelter inside, sometimes in large numbers. They typically will appear on warm, sunny days, and congregate around walls, doors, ceilings, and windows. They tend to prefer light colored houses since the color mimics their natural overwintering habitat which is on rock cliffs in Asia.

Insecticides are not needed to control them. The first defense is to prevent them from getting in; seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, siding or utility pipes. Repair any window screens or similar openings. Remove and dispose of them by using a broom and dustpan, or vacuum them. Avoid alarming them or crushing them; they can discharge a yellow fluid that can stain walls, paint or fabric and this fluid also has an unpleasant odor.

If you can keep them somewhere cool, let them live and then release them into the yard come spring for natural pest control. For more information on these and other nuisance pests, call the Horticulture Hotline at 315-736-3394 from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Fridays, or checkout the Ladybug factsheet at CCE's website..

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension