Lady Bugs (Asian Lady Beetles)

Lady Bugs in St. Charles, Missouri

Lady Bugs:

In the fall, aggregations of Asian lady beetles find their way into homes. These beetles are a nuisance and can ruin rugs and other furniture with their secretions. Fortunately, they do not breed or feed inside the home. Many ladybug species are considered important beneficial insects because they voraciously consume plant-eating insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects, which harm crops and plants in gardens. During the spring and summer months, ladybug populations typically grow because the seasons favor tender foliage and aphid infestations. In the autumn, adults seek protected places to overwinter including under leaves, rocks and landscape timbers. Other ladybug species are known to inhabit structures such as buildings and homes.

Control:

The most effective way to get rid of ladybugs or prevent them from entering homes and buildings is to seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. If ladybugs have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in their removal. If an infestation has developed inside a home or building, a licensed St. Charles pest control operator should be called to evaluate and assess the problem.