The Case of the Ladybug Killer
October 23rd, 2009 Posted in Beetles & LadybugsI love camping, but for the last few years, our camp has become somewhat overrun. Not by bears or wolves (thankfully), but by ladybugs.
Our camp has two trailers, and the past couple of falls have given us these visitors. Since these trailers are almost old enough to drink by now, keeping them maintained has become an impossible chore.
But not everyone has this problem at camp, some have it at home.
This article takes a look at:
History of Ladybug Problems
Until recently, ladybugs have not been a problem.
Ladybugs entering the home began several years ago, after scientists introduced a new ladybug to combat pecan aphids.
They enter the home in September and October, looking for a spot to overwinter, going into attics, basements, and under siding.
If there are ladybugs in your home, they won’t all be out and about. Most will remain hidden throughout the winter. Only a few adventurous bugs will go exploring in your home.
Ladybug Prevention
The key to dealing with ladybugs is prevention. Ladybugs are beneficial to gardens and farms, eating aphids that will otherwise damage growing plants, so killing them is not recommended.
The most common way ladybugs get in is through opening in screen doors and windows, where the screen doesn’t fit properly into the frame. Weather stripping is a simple way to seal these cracks.
Next, check your door frames, window frames, and siding for cracks. Grab a caulking gun and plug up any holes you come across. Sometimes, plugging roofing vents is also helpful to keep the critters out.
Also try caulking other entryways for the home, like electric sockets and light fixtures. This will also help with your heating bill.
Chemical remedies
When this problem first started, a lot of companies claimed to have cures.
Buying a simple insect fogger, like one used for flies, will knock them out.
Some landscapers suggest food grade diatomaceous earth. The soil, made of small algae, will cut open the ladybugs exoskeleton, causing it to die from dehydration.
Spraying the outside of your house with pyrethrin will keep them off the sides. The chemical is usually sold mixed with a light adhesive, keeping it on the wall for a period of time.
Home Remedies
A simple sweeping of the house can get some ladybugs out. This will keep them alive to protect your garden.
Many people will vacuum the ladybugs up, which will at least stun them.
One trick to preserve the bugs is to use a nylon. Put a nylon into the hose of a vacuum and secure it with a rubber band. This will catch the ladybugs, allowing you to dispose of them or release them outside to put them back to work.
Another good way to control them is with EcoSMART. Our garden insecticides are a family-safe and chemical-free way to keep all of those pests under control. It’s made oils produced by plants to protect them from insects. So EcoSMART utilized them to keep you protected from insects too!
19 Comments | The First 1,000 to Comment (Starting 12/21/2009) Will Become EcoSMART Product Testers!
By Julie on Oct 26, 2009
I have an infestation of these critters around this time of the year. Only in the upstairs front bedrooms of my house! Any suggestions??
By Quanda on Oct 26, 2009
I never had problems in the past with Ladybugs. Your post was informative and interesting. Thanks for sharing the remedies, and preventions of the Ladybugs with us!!
By Patricia Meinke on Oct 26, 2009
I had a 150 year old house in the Gettsburg area of PA. We had swarms of Ladybugs in out kitchen after the farmers released them into their Apple orchards. My husband and I use to catch them in a plastic container and put them back out side. I new they were good for the environment and wanted to make sure they returned there. Thank you for the advise. We now have on old Victorian in Tennessee and there are currently alot of ladybugs around. I will take preventive measures to keep them out of the house.
By CRYSTAL TIPTON on Oct 26, 2009
YES I WOULD LIKE TO BE A TESTER
By Melissa on Oct 26, 2009
I’ve never had a problem with ladybug infestation at my home. I always buy a couple bags from my local nursery every year to aid in other pest problems.
There were several areas in Colorado this year that were blanketed with them. It was a welcome sight for many.
By Jennifer on Oct 26, 2009
I am interested in becoming a tester.
By LISA on Oct 26, 2009
I would like to try a sample,Thank You.
By Sarah on Oct 26, 2009
I knew lady bugs were benificial to my garden but did not know how to keep them out of my house. The tips are great. I would like to be a tester.
By Chris Wesselman on Oct 27, 2009
Yes, I would like to test this product as I have many lady bugs infest my kitchen every year. They drive me nuts when they are flying around my kitchen light. I know some may say it’s bad luck to kill them, but I have to because there are so many of ‘em. When you kill them, they really stink, too. Yes, I would really like to test your product. Thank you.
By vernessia on Oct 27, 2009
Yes, I would like to test this product. I have several little bug I would like to get rid off. I would love to be a tester. thank you.
By celina on Oct 31, 2009
i would like to try this ecosmart. ladybugs are infesting my house.
By Shelley Evans on Nov 8, 2009
Hi, we’d like to test your product. Ladybugs come in every fall and somehow get past exterior weatherstripping, especially in one door in our house.
Thanks,
Shelley
By Estefani on Nov 9, 2009
I WILL LOVE TO TRY IT, MY ROOM IS INFESTED I NEED HELP…
By Linda on Dec 10, 2009
Each year the ladybug infestation gets worse inside the house. I vaccuum and vaccuum but they keep coming. It really is distressing. If you have a product that helps, please forward.
I did use a fogger in the one really bad room a couple of years ago and it worked for a while.
Thanks
Linda
By millie on Mar 5, 2010
I would love to try anything that helps me get rid of the lady bugs in one bedroom of my home. They are diving me crazy. This is are guest room and when anyone comes over, I am always worried what they will think about all these bugs in my home. Please help.
By Rae on Mar 7, 2010
I’d love to be a tester! I vacuumed up about 80 of them in my bathroom. I keep checking back and I’m still finding some! I can’t stand it anymore….
By Mike Bilel on Mar 15, 2010
I will test. We have infestation and don’t want toxic chemicals.
By Jen Glass on Mar 19, 2010
I would love to bid ado to the uncountable number of ladybugs that have been calling our home theirs. Unlike other years, our housemates have stayed with us (fully alert) this entire winter. If I crunch one more in my oatmeal, I think I’ll scream!
Please let me be a tester.
By Deborah Dorris on Mar 25, 2010
This has been the first winter in this home and the ladybugs have driven me mad. I don’t like using toxic chemicals for there is pets and kids. Have vacuumed them and noticed a smell the next time when vacuuming; each time at vacuuming there seems to be around 20 that are sucked up, and this is done every 3 days. My two year old has been bit several times, and she screams if one lands in her food. I would love to test your product, and I am going to try some of the suggestions listed.