When you think of ladybugs, you probably think of spring foliage, cute costumes, and warm picnics. Adorable little creatures, right? Not so fast! These beetles can band together and infest your home just like any other pest! They release a pheromone that attracts other ladybugs, so don’t be surprised if it seems like they’re multiplying in your house within a short period of time. They can even leave trails of pheromones behind, which attract them back to the same areas each year. While they aren’t known for being harmful, you may be less than enthusiastic about seeing them crowded inside of your living space. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent an infestation.
Prevention
The best thing you can do to prevent ladybugs from piling into your house? Seal all cracks around doors, windows, walls, outlets, and pipes in your home. Repair or replace broken window screens or weather stripping as well. These tiny beetles love to cozy up in cracks and crevices. Once ladybugs have made it inside, it can be difficult to get rid of them on your own.
Treatment
If ladybugs are bothering you indoors, it’s best to call a professional pest control service to help you figure out the best way to get rid of them. They’re known for hiding inside walls, which can make it especially tricky to get them out of the house. You can vacuum regularly, draw them together using light traps, then release them outdoors and spray vinegar in the areas you’ve spotted them. Just don’t agitate them by sweeping them up or swatting at them, as they release a yellow, smelly liquid that can stain materials when stressed.
Bites are rare, and they aren’t known to carry diseases or destroy property. However, if your home has a large number of ladybugs crawling or flying around in it, your family members may experience allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction include wheezing, coughing, itchy skin, and hives.
While ladybug infestations can be bothersome, the good news is the pest control experts at Clark Exterminating can help. In many ways, ladybugs can be beneficial — they eat aphids, for example. But if these lady beetles are bothering you, contact us today to set up a professional evaluation and take back your living space!