While we welcome the warmth of spring and summer, we may find ourselves dealing with uninvited guests in the form of lady beetles, also known as ladybugs.
Though these tiny insects are harmless and beneficial to the environment, large numbers of them can become a nuisance indoors. Join us as we explore effective strategies for taking care of invading lady beetles, ensuring a pest-free home without harming these beneficial creatures.
There is a rather important difference between ladybugs and Asian ladybugs. Ladybugs are relatively cute and good for the environment because they attack parasites. Asian ladybugs also attack parasites, but they are not as harmless as the average ladybug. They are invasive, they bite, and are very likely to invade your home in swarms.
- There are many ways to tell the difference between a ladybug and an Asian ladybug. An Asian ladybug has an “M” shape near its head, while a ladybug does not. Asian ladybugs like to come into your house, while ladybugs prefer to stay outside. Asian ladybugs leave a nasty yellow liquid and bite, while ladybugs do not tend to do either of these things.
- Asian ladybugs tend to invade homes when the weather is cooler. They seek refuge in the corners of your home, trying to find a warm place. Fortunately, a Facebook user found a solution to prevent Asian ladybugs from invading his home, and it worked wonders.
- Asian ladybugs tend to invade homes when the weather is cooler. They seek refuge in the corners of your home, trying to find a warm place. Fortunately, a Facebook user found a solution to prevent Asian ladybugs from invading his home, and it worked wonders.
- Autumn McWhorter shared that to solve the problem, two cups of hot water, four tablespoons of sugar and four drops of detergent should be mixed in a mason’s jar. Leave the mason jar out, and the Asian ladybugs will be attracted to the solution. Once inside the jar, they cannot get out.
Understanding Lady Beetle Behavior:
Lady beetles are attracted to light and warmth, often seeking refuge indoors during the cooler months or clustering around windows and light sources.
Understanding their behavior can help you anticipate and address potential infestations before they become a problem.
Sealing Entry Points:
Prevent lady beetles from entering your home by sealing cracks, gaps, and other potential entry points with caulk or weather stripping.
Check windows, doors, utility pipes, and vents for gaps where lady beetles could gain access, and repair any damage promptly.
Natural Deterrents:
Create a natural deterrent by spraying a mixture of water and mild dish soap around windows, doors, and other entry points.
This solution creates a barrier that repels lady beetles without harming them, encouraging them to seek shelter elsewhere.
Gentle Removal Methods:
If lady beetles have already entered your home, gently encourage them to leave by using a soft brush or broom to sweep them into a container.
Release the lady beetles outdoors, away from your home, to prevent them from returning.
Preventive Measures:
Take proactive steps to prevent future lady beetle infestations by keeping outdoor lights off at night and reducing the presence of aphids, their primary food source.
Consider planting lady beetle-attracting plants such as cilantro, dill, fennel, and marigolds in your garden to encourage them to stay outdoors where they belong.
So, if you’re tired of watching annoying Asian ladybugs invade your home, try this solution for a quick, cheap and effective hack. Thanks for sharing this great advice, Autumn!