Frost is in the air and leaves are changing…it’s the time of year for pests to look for a winter home. You’re familiar with many of them…spiders, mice, and others. But one unwanted guest might surprise you: the multicolored Asian Lady Beetle…harmonia axyridis. You probably know them better as ladybugs!

Cooler temperatures and frost are a signal for these insects to look for protection against the ravages of winter. During October and November, they typically cluster in the corners of windows, attics, or under eaves. Occasionally you may see them huddled on the side of a building.

Once they’ve found a suitable warm spot, they become dormant until spring…or until the space around them warms up. Even in the middle of winter they can “wake up” whenever the temperature reaches 70 degrees. That’s why you can see ladybugs buzzing around in the middle of January.

Fortunately, lady beetles are harmless. Well, almost. They do emit a foul-smelling discharge if disturbed. Beetles will not reproduce as they overwinter in your home.

You have several options if you want to avoid hosting hundreds of tiny housemates all winter long:

1) Your best plan is to carefully seal cracks or holes that could allow them to get inside your home or business.

2) If you find them inside, use a broom and dustpan to scoop them up, or…

3) Put a nylon screen on the end of your vacuum cleaner’s hose as a filter, then suck them into that filter. The screen keeps them from going all the way into the vacuum bag.

4) Be sure to release ladybugs into the wild. They kill aphids, which are harmful to plants like roses and fruit trees.

As temperatures warm in the spring you may think you’re being invaded again, but the ladybugs are simply waking up after a long winter’s nap. Those that stayed indoors want to get back outside to look for food. 

If you find that ladybugs have become a significant nuisance this winter, give us a call! We offer a no contract service, and will be glad help you remove the infestation.