Categories: Beetles, Home Protection Plan, Ladybugs, Pest Control
Read time: 5 minutes
The ladybug is a colorful, cool insect that some believe brings good luck if it lands on you. These bugs are usually good to have around because they eat aphids and other plant-destroying bugs. But, if too many of them show up, they can be annoying.
Ladybug infestations are more likely to happen in the late summer or early fall. That’s when ladybugs are on the lookout for a cozy spot to crash during the chilly winter. They really like southern or southwestern exposure for that warm winter sunlight. Once they’ve found the perfect winter retreat, they drop an attractant pheromone, basically sending out an invite to all their ladybug pals and family to join the party. Before you know it, you might spot these little guys setting up camp in the nooks and crannies of your siding, and some might even decide to crash inside, hanging out on your walls and ceilings.
That’s when you call Fox Pest Control. Our Home Protection Plan offers year-round pest control, giving you peace of mind from uninvited houseguests! We’ll treat your home four times a year, applying a solution that acts as a barrier around your home so crawling things don’t get in. Even better, if these sneaky ‘lil bugs find their way in, we’ll come back and treat your home again, free of charge!
Fun Facts About Ladybugs
Ladybugs are kinda the cool kids of the beetle family. They’ve got several amusing nicknames you might have heard before, like Ladybird, Lady Beetle, Lady Cow, and Lady Fly.
Here are a few fun facts about ladybugs:
- Ladybugs aren’t bugs at all; they’re beetles and part of the Coccinellidae family.
- There are more than 5,000 types of ladybugs around the world, each with its own colors and patterns.
- Ladybugs are helpful bugs because they eat aphids, which can hurt plants in gardens and farms.
- You might be familiar with red and black ladybugs, but did you know there are also yellow, black, pink, orange, and brown ladybugs?
- The bright color of ladybugs tells predators to back off and that they don’t taste good.
- Different types of ladybugs have different markings. Some have no markings, while others have spots, from one or two to up to 24. Others have stripes and no spots.
- During winter, ladybugs group together to save energy and stay warm.
- Ladybugs are speedy flyers, able to reach speeds of up to 24 miles per hour.
- In many cultures, ladybugs are symbols of good luck and success.
- When they feel threatened, these little guys whip out a secret weapon – oozing out this oily, gross-tasting stuff from their leg joints.
- Ladybugs talk to each other by releasing chemicals called pheromones into the air.
- They have hidden wings! You may not see it very often, but these tiny creatures take flight when they get scared!
These playful-looking bugs may seem cute and all, and while it’s not common, they can bite. Luckily, they’re not venomous to people, and these little fellas aren’t carriers for human diseases. If you tend to be allergic to things, their bite might cause minor irritation or swelling. Someone allergic to Ladybug bites might have a more severe reaction, so watch out for other symptoms if you’ve been bitten.
Now, for our furry friends, a word of caution: it’s not the best idea if your pets decide to snack on ladybugs. If they eat one or many, your pets could have an irritating tummy ache or something like a burn inside their mouth. Most pets stay away from these bugs, so you probably don’t need to worry about it.
Are Ladybugs Good for Plants?
Okay, sure, too many can be a hassle, but having a couple of ladybugs around can actually do wonders for your garden and indoor plants! Whether they’re chilling in the garden or hanging out with your potted plants, ladybugs are like plant superheroes.
That’s because of what ladybugs eat; their idea of a good meal is munching on pests like aphids. One ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in their lifetime! Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that love snacking on plant leaves and can be a real plant-wrecker if left unchecked.
Thank goodness our spotted pals work to keep things in balance! Ladybugs aren’t picky eaters, either; they will also eat a variety of other insects and larvae, including scales, mealy bugs, leaf hoppers, mites, and various types of soft-bodied insects.
Ladybugs vs. Asian lady beetle
In small numbers, ladybugs can be beneficial. But there’s a sneaky imposter you need to watch out for that is always trouble – the Asian ladybeetle!
Unlike ladybugs, these Asian ladybeetles are invasive troublemakers in the U.S. They’re all about congregating in big groups, especially indoors, biting people, and leaving weird, yellow, smelly stuff around the house.
Not to worry, though; telling them apart is a piece of cake:
- Asian ladybeetles are the bigger cousins.
- They’re more orange than red and might not have those classic black spots.
- They’ve got a slightly stretched-out body, while ladybugs keep it round.
- Look for the M-shaped black mark on the head – that’s a dead giveaway!
Our leafy plant pals do wonders for our mood and air quality, and everyone loves a healthy garden, so let’s keep ’em happy and healthy. Just make sure the ladybugs are the real deal, not those troublemaking Asian ladybeetles. And if pests are crashing your plant party, Fox Pest Control’s got your back – certified techs at your service, pronto!
Remember, our Home Protection Plan takes care of your home so you can rest easy. And if, for some reason, something sneaks its way back into your home, give us a call. We’ll keep coming back until the pests don’t. Free of charge!
