Lady beetles

HOME INVADERS #1
LADYBUGS

 

All of us have childhood memories of catching ladybugs, letting them crawl up our arms and then releasing them; often with the flick of a finger to watch them fly away.

 

 

During the autumn, lady beetles crawl to overwintering sites where a few to several hundred will gather in an 'aggregation' (gathering together into a dense mass). The aggregation site might be located at the base of a tree, along a fence, or under a rock. Beetles are usually found under leaves which protect them from cold winter temperatures.

 

 

Sometimes lady beetles can become a nuisance to humans. Some congregate in large numbers on the sunny side of the house. Occasionally  they invade homes in huge numbers. Since lady beetles are beneficial, insecticide treatments are not suggested. Physically remove lady beetles by using a clean vacuum bag and then release them out doors at the base of a tree or shrub. Caulk and seal spaces and gaps around your house to prevent them from coming inside again.

 

 

 

Ladybugs are considered beneficial because they eat large numbers of insects which do damage to plants, flowers and food crops. Among these pests are aphids, soft scales, mealy bugs and spider mites. Ladybugs do not  harm humans or our pets in any way. Most people consider them pretty little creatures.

Although they look nothing like the adults, ladybugs nymphs do a fantastic job of keeping your garden free of many destructive insects.  You may spot them in your yard in late spring and during the  summer.

 

 

 

 

Happy Gardening,
James