Ladybugs are coming moving inside and invading people’s homes. Let’s talk about where they came from and what you can do to try and get rid of them.
Most of the time the ladybugs that move inside to hibernate through the winter are Asian ladybugs. I often am asked if the government is releasing Asian ladybugs and that’s why they are in their house. The government does not currently release Asian ladybugs. The US Department of Agriculture did release Asian ladybugs during the 1960s to the 1990s. Ladybugs are beneficial insects because they eat many soft-bodied insects that are pests. They were released so that apple and pecan growers would not need to use as many insecticides. Georgia is one of the states where they were released. However, now Asian ladybugs are found in states that did not have releases. Researchers believe that the ladybugs that find their way into homes now are most likely not from the intentional releases, but from a freighter that accidentally brought them to New Orleans from Japan.
Asian Ladybugs look very similar to our native ladybugs. Females usually have several multiple spots, while the males have fewer spots. Their color can range from tan to orange to red. The best way to tell them about from our natives is that they have a dark M or W (depending on which side you look at them) on the back of their head. Asian ladybugs don’t have very many natural predators in the US. That means they can spread very easily. It makes them good at controlling aphids on plants outdoors, but makes them a nuisance in the fall and early spring.
In the fall, many of them will try to make their way inside. Once a couple get in, it’s hard to keep more out. Ladybugs will use pheromones to let other ladybugs know that they’ve found a good spot to overwinter. Therefore, you usually won’t see just a couple, but dozens or even hundreds. They usually will congregate on the sunny side of a building. Buildings that have light and dark contrasting colors on the outside will be more attractive to them. Older buildings are more attractive too because they will leak more heat out.
Ladybugs don’t injure people. They also don’t reproduce indoors. They won’t attack wood, food, or clothing. They can secrete a yellow substance when disturbed. The yellow secretion smells bad and can stain. They use the yellow stuff as a defense mechanism against predators.
So the big question is, how do you get rid of them? If they are inside a simple method is to just vacuum them up and then throw them in the trash. Sealing cracks around doors or windows is a good way to keep them from entering in the first place. Ladybugs are small, so they can use a crack that’s 1/8th of an inch. There are ladybug traps that use black light to attract them. These can be effective at capturing ones that have already entered, especially if you use it in a dark space, like a closet or attic. If you have a serious infestation, it’s best to call a pest control company.
Ladybugs can be a nuisance inside the house, but remember that they are beneficial to farmers and gardeners. If you have questions about ladybugs contact your County Extension Office or email me at Jacob.Williams@uga.edu.