Lady Bugs

What Are Ladybugs?

Being from the Rochester, NY area, there is a very good chance that you are somewhat familiar with ladybugs. You might not know that they are members of the Coccinellidae family, but you probably know that they are little red beetles with black spots. Well, they can be scarlet, orange, or yellow with small black spots on their wings. Their legs, heads, and antennae are usually solid black, and these bugs can grow to be as big as ½ inch long. With over 5,000 species located throughout the world, the ladybug can be a truly interesting insect.

Although there are over 5,000 known species, there are only 450 or so native to North America. What’s even more interesting is some people consider the ladybug a nuisance while some consider it a useful insect. This is because it commonly feeds on other aphids. As a matter of fact, this is why the insect was introduced into North America in the first place. It was introduced as a means of garden and orchard control. The Mall of America just recently 2 million of these critters throughout their gardens to help battle their aphid problems.

Who Do People Have Ladybugs?

The ladybug might have just been introduced into North America in the Twentieth Century, but its population has since increased greatly. This is because it learned how to survive. The ladybug is a true survivor, and if you find them in the home, that’s what they are trying to do. Believe it or not, the ladybug does not want to be in your home. It is only there by choice, as a means of survival. Ladybugs can’t handle the harsh elements that come along with the winter weather, so they will venture to nearby homes and buildings when winter starts approaching.

When they were first introduced into America’s population they died during the winter months because they stayed outside, feeding on aphids. That has since changed. They have learned to migrate to buildings and homes. They’ll likely take up residence in your walls closest facing to the sun. For instance, if the sun naturally sets in your neighborhood in the east, this is probably the side of the home the bugs will migrate to. They’ll take up residence in the easternmost facing walls.

Are Ladybugs Dangerous?

All in all, ladybugs are not dangerous. By many, they are considered nothing more than a nuisance. They don’t transmit or carry diseases, but there have been some reported cases of them nipping or biting. These were extremely rare incidents and nothing negative was reported along with the incident. However, just because they don’t carry diseases, it doesn’t mean they won’t be a nuisance. That’s what they are. They don’t only urinate and defecate all over everything, but they leave behind stains. Stains that get on your walls, sheets, and furniture. Other than this, they pose you or your pets no threats.

How Do You Eliminate Ladybugs?

Most people won’t notice ladybugs in their homes until the approaching summer months. And, this is because as the weather heats up these bugs come out of migration. When they come out of migration they usually try to make their way back outdoors. The only problem is some of them get turned around. They get confused and only end up lost further in the home. Just remember they do not want to be inside. Usually just vacuuming up the bugs and helping them back outside is enough, but this is much harder said than done.

Another thing that makes the ladybug hard to eliminate is the fact that they don’t build nests. Yes, they’ll migrate in your walls, but while in there they do not build nests. They simply aggregate, meaning they can quickly adapt and live on little. You force them out of one area and they’ll just take up residence in another. All in all, this is why ladybugs are a pest best left for the pros. We have the tools, knowledge, and know-how to help you successfully deal with your ladybug problems in the most efficient way possible.

Can I Get Rid Of Ladybugs Myself?

With the cost of professional pest management, it is no wonder why people turn to DIY treatments and over-the-counter pesticides. While this might seem like a good idea at the time, it is something that’ll likely only help up costing you more money and time. This is because a lot of the over-the-counter products just aren’t effective. They don’t contain all the necessary ingredients needed for proper elimination. In addition to this, these pesticides can be dangerous under the right circumstances. It simply just makes more sense to leave the job for the pros.

When Can You Get Here?

You can likely see that ladybugs are a problem best left for the pros. Given this and the fact that ladybugs are a major problem in Rochester, our little offices stay busy all year round. That being said, we are always more than willing to adapt to and accommodate t our customer’s needs. We understand ladybugs can be a major hassle, and that’s why we are willing to work with you. Have questions, concerns, or maybe you just want to learn more about ladybugs. Whatever the situation is, you can always feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call. We’ll have someone out to your property within 24 to 48 hours after you make that initial phone call.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.