As the summer begins to come to a close and fall looms around the corner, days will begin to become shorter and overnight temperatures will begin to drop. As this occurs, Minnesota residents will notice Asian Ladybugs coming into homes and businesses. While the ladybugs seem to benefit gardeners by helping to control the invasive aphids, there is no benefit to having them inside your living space. The ladybugs are seeking warmth and a place to hibernate for the winter, though typically they are found spending their winters under the bark of a tree. When they make their way indoors, you might see them around windows or on ceilings. Do note that they do not pose any threat to people, pets, or the structure of your home. They also do not breed or multiply during the winter. They are simply a nuisance.
The ladybugs can appear in a range of colors from red to orange, and anything in between. Asian Ladybugs have a black marking behind their heads in the shape of the letter ‘M.’
Does The Asian Ladybug Have Any Benefit?
The ladybugs, as you might imagine, originated in Asia, but found their way over to the US. Since the mid-1990’s the Asian Ladybug have spread over much of the US, including Minnesota over the past ten or so years. They are considered to be valuable predators in the environment since they prey on aphids, scales, mealybugs, and other insects.
Ladybug Removal/Pest Control
As with any insect, the best method to keep bugs out is to take appropriate measures to prevent them from getting in to begin with. Ladybugs can enter a home or business through the small cracks around doors and windows, specifically, those on the sunny side. They can be easily removed by sweeping them into a container or by vacuuming them up. Do note however, that when disturbed, the ladybug emits an odor that is considered unpleasant and may leave a yellowish stain. Asian ladybugs have also been known to bite when threatened, though the bite is non-lethal. In fact, it merely feels like a minor prick with a pin. To avoid this, simply wear gloves when handling ladybugs.
It is not recommended that you spend money on over-the-counter insecticides to rid yourself of the ladybugs, as it has shown to take too many applications of the insecticides to be effective. Your best option is to contact a professional pest removal company, such as EcoTech in Minnesota. EcoTech features eco-friendly and less-toxic forms of pest control and can help to identify ports of entry so that the problem is eradicated for the long-term. To learn more about pest control and how EcoTech’s services can help you, contact any one of these convenient phone numbers: (612) 386-1289, (952) 881-6662, (763) 785-1414, or (763) 785-1414.
