Ah, summertime; full of sunshine, pool parties, and… ladybugs? When the snow melts away, you may spot some unwelcome guests in your home. These pesky critters hibernate during the winter and re-emerge once the snow melts. If you have a ladybug infestation, read on for the most common causes and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future:
Ladybugs are very beneficial for farmers; their healthy appetite for aphids makes them an effective way to pest-control crops. But it’s during the cooler seasons when they become a problem for homeowners. They wander away from the fields and look for cozy places to shack up in the winter. Their ability to secrete pheromones that attract other ladybugs and reproduce in large numbers make them a nuisance.
These beetles are attracted to homes that get lots of sun. They like light-coloured properties that are warm inside. Infestations are more typical near fields or forests since these areas are where ladybugs gather to feast on aphids. First, ladybugs cluster on exterior walls and search for cracks or openings; then, they enter your home and release pheromones to call their other bug friends. This typically happens during the fall, as the bugs want a dry, warm place to reside during the winter. These beetles come out in the early spring when they are looking for mates.
The pheromones that ladybugs release to attract other beetles is so powerful that it can be detected from half a kilometre away! This chemical leaves an unpleasant odour. If a ladybug is emitting pheromones in your home, it means they are signaling to other beetles that your abode is a good place to hibernate for the winter. This scent can be incredibly difficult to remove without the help of pest control services.
If you have a large number of ladybugs in your home already, there are a few treatment options available. Preventative measures are the best way to deter a family of ladybugs - winterize your home by sealing all cracks and gaps with caulking or weather stripping. No pesticides are approved for use on these beetles, but you can discourage them by sprinkling cloves or bay leaves near the infested areas. To eliminate them, you can use a vacuum; just be sure to empty the bag afterward, or they’ll crawl back out!
The good thing is that ladybugs do not spread diseases. Some species, such as the Asian lady beetle, are known to bite humans. These beetles are typically dark orange or mustard instead of bright red, so be aware of this when trying to transport them out of your home.
Prevent ladybugs from infesting your home by sealing all cracks near windows, floors, pipes, doors, and foundations. Try planting mums near your front door and windows because ladybugs hate their scent. To take a more drastic measure, you can consider repainting your house a darker colour to deter ladybugs from moving in. Ultimately, you should contact an exterminator; the best way to eliminate a ladybug infestation is to call for reliable pest control services in Winnipeg. At Gilles Lambert Pest Control, we will take care of your current ladybug problem and help seal your home to prevent it from happening again.
