2005 Year in Review

Are Lady Beetles Invading Your Home?

Source: David J. Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, drobson@uiuc.edu

The multi-colored or multi-spotted Asian Lady Beetles have created a not-so-positive name for themselves in the fall. Although they are considered beneficial insects, their sheer numbers create headaches for homeowners.

"Lady beetles will squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices around windows, doors, utility pipes and loose siding to enter your home," explains David Robson, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. "Dark-colored homes aren't as prone to insect invasion as white or light-colored ones."

Inside, the beetles congregate on southern or western walls and windows for warmth. Robson says that we probably only see a fraction of the creatures that are overwintering between the walls. The good news is that the beetles will not reproduce indoors.

Caulk cracks and crevices, especially on the south and west sides of your home. Make sure doors and windows close tightly. Avoid leaving windows open on warm autumn days, especially if screens are not tight.

Multicolored Asian lady beetles are strongly attracted to "black light traps." The trap is basically a collector bag placed under a black light bulb. The beetles fall in the trap and cannot escape. They aren't killed, so they can be relocated outside.

"For indoor control, use a vacuum cleaner to suck them up. You might just consider keeping the vacuum out for the next month as the beetles work their way into rooms. Empty the bag regularly," says Robson. "Once temperatures turn extremely cold in December, the number entering rooms of the house will drop drastically."

Remember that the beetles stain when crushed. A regular broom or rag may not be the best bet.

Lady beetles are a nuisance but are not dangerous to humans, pets, food or household items. The University of Illinois does not recommend using a chemical for indoor control.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 2, 2005