ladybug Archives - Pest End

Category: ladybug

Where Do Bugs Hide?

ants, Bed Bugs, ladybug

A common question that customers often ask our technicians is, “Where Do These Bugs Hide?” It is only natural to wonder where these pests have been, only to suddenly have them appear in your kitchen, bathroom, or scurrying around your attic or basement. Have they been in your house this whole time? How did they originally get in? And how can you be proactive about preventing these pests from becoming a more serious problem? Here is what we know:

  • Bed Bugs – These pests, that can leave you sleepless, can easily hitch a ride into your home on luggage or clothing items from places like: hotels, movie theaters, conference halls, airports, malls, schools, and pretty much any public place. Check your items before bringing them into your home. In addition, vacuum out suitcases and travel bags when coming back from trips.
  • Ants – Chances are, if you are seeing ants regularly in your home, that there is a nest somewhere either in your home or just outside of it where the ants bring food crumbs back to the colony. These pests are extremely small, so getting in and out only takes a small crack or opening in the siding or foundation. Talk to our experts to find out where your ant problem originates.
  • Ladybugs – Every spring, and again in the fall, Ladybugs seem to flock to the side of homes. Where did they come from and where have they been hiding? In the fall, Ladybugs are looking for a place (like under your siding or hidden in exterior walls) to overwinter. Then, in the spring, they reverse the process and emerge when the weather improves.

Bugs and insects seem to come out of nowhere, but usually there is a reasonable explanation as to why they have certain behaviors. If you have a pest issue that you want solved, call Pest-End Exterminators at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.

Ladybugs

ladybug

Every year right around this time, when the air is getting crisper and the days are getting shorter, people ask us about ladybugs.  “Why are they swarming on our house or near our front lights?”  While there is probably no other bug (entomologically speaking, a beetle) adored as much as this arthropod, they can also be a nuisance and a mess maker when they are seeking a home in which to overwinter.  Let’s examine these bright colored beetles and how they may affect your home.

Ladybug 101

Adult lady beetles have hemispherical to oval shaped bodies that can be yellow, pink, orange, red, or black, and usually are marked with distinct spots. The bright coloring is meant as a warning to discourage other animals that may see them as lunch.  They are also protected by an odorous fluid that is released when the beetle is disturbed.  Predators will remember the bright coloring next time they come near and avoid the stench.

Believe it or not ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybird beetles, are a very beneficial group. They are natural enemies of many insects, especially aphids and other sap feeders. A single lady beetle may eat as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime. (Source: University of Kentucky Agricultural Unit)

Fall Invasion

As the weather cools, ladybugs begin to look for a warm place to overwinter and may see your home as a great place to camp out!  Ladybugs are attracted to light colored houses. Especially, homes that have a clear southwestern sun exposure. Older homes tend to experience more problem due to lack of adequate insulation. Ladybugs find openings in the cracks of windows, vents, foundation and siding to find their way into your home.  Ladybugs gather in groups when they hibernate for the winter, so if you see one, you can be sure more will follow. The best way to keep them out is to repair damaged clap boards, window and door trim and to caulk small cracks.

Management

If you only have a few ladybugs invading your home, a shop vacuum or dustbuster will take care of the problem.  If you have large amounts you may notice stains showing up on items that the ladybugs have landed on.  This stain is actually their blood.  The yellow blood occurs when the beetle gets scared or feels somehow threatened.  This is a normal reaction to stressful situations called reflex bleeding. Releasing some of its blood is one way the ladybug can protect itself. The blood smells bad and signals to a predator that this ladybug is not a good lunch choice. If you are unsure how to handle your ladybug problem, contact Pest-End with questions and solutions.