Ladybugs
Ladybugs are moving inside at this time of year. 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.
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 1/8 th 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
[email protected].