Autumn signals the arrival of golden leaves, crisp air and that it’s time to get the house ready for winter. But for some homeowners, the season is accompanied by an altogether difference occurrence: a ladybug infestation!
While these small insects do have a reputation for being lucky, their presences can turn into a nightmare when they infiltrate a house in large numbers. Here’s a full guide on how to deal with these “charming” creatures.
Why Are They so Numerous in Fall?
It’s the drop in temperature that prompts ladybugs to make their way into human dwellings. From the end of summer to the beginning of autumn, both warm and dry hibernation spots are hard to find. Your residence therefore constitutes a prime target. They squeeze in through small cracks, poorly sealed windows, open doors and even ventilation ducts. The problem is that once inside, that can rapidly multiply and become a real nuisance.
Are They Dangerous?
While generally harmless, some ladybugs will bite if they feel threatened. These bites aren’t dangerous but may cause mild irritation. Some people may also develop allergic reactions such as itching or redness.
How Do You Know If It’s an Infestation?
If you’ve made certain they can’t find a way inside your property, there’s no need to worry. Otherwise, how can you determine if your home is infested? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Lots of them about the house: If you’ve started seeing clusters of ladybugs near windows, on walls or around doors, your residence is probably infested.
- Unpleasant odour: Ladybugs can release an unpleasant odour when they feel threatened. If you detect something unusual, it may be time to act.
- Yellow spots on surfaces: They can leave a yellow residue behind as they move around, potentially damaging your walls, furniture and curtains.
How Can You Prevent an Infestation?
The best way to control a ladybug infestation is to stop them from entering your home in the first place:
- Seal cracks and gaps: Inspect your house’s building envelope to find cracks and holes around windows, doors and the foundations. Apply caulking or gasket maker to seal them.
- Check your doors and windows: Ensure your doors and windows fit snuggly and that the weatherstripping is intact. And remind your children to shut them properly!
- Install window screens: Use screens in your windows and over air outlets for an added layer of protection.
- Clear your home’s perimeter: Don’t leave piles of leaves or stacks of wood around your property. They may attract ladybugs to your yard and then into your house.
- Cut Tree Branches: Removing any large tree branches touching your residence’s structure is recommended (saw off only the end!) so that ladybugs don’t have a direct route into your house.
What to Do If Your Home Is Already Infested
So, they have in fact gotten in and invaded your residence. Here’s the game plan:
Vacuum Cleaner to the Rescue
The simplest and most effective means of removing ladybugs from your dwelling is to vacuum them up. Be gentle, but make sure you throw out the bag or empty to canister immediately after to prevent the insects from escaping back into your house. You could also evict them one by one by slipping a sheet of paper under their body to release them outside. However, this is a far more time consuming method!
Hurray for Natural Repellants!
Once you’re done vacuuming, take steps to render your home as uninviting as possible to these tiny creatures. Natural remedies exist that keep ladybugs away without relying on harsh chemicals. White vinegar or essential oils, such as lemongrass or peppermint oil, can be effective. Spray the product in areas where ladybugs tend to congregate.
Light Traps
These devices utilize light to attract insects, which are then trapped inside. This can prove particularly useful in dealing with a major infestation confined to a specific location in the house.
Strong Insecticides Are to Be Avoided
Employing chemical insecticides inside the house is not advised, especially if you have children or pets. Plus, killing the ladybugs with chemicals may cause them to release their yellow liquid, leading to stains and a bad smell throughout your home.
What Should You Do Following an Infestation?
Once you’ve eliminated the ladybugs, thoroughly cleaning your home to remove all traces of the pests and to stop them from coming back next year is essential.
- Clean the surfaces: Wash away any residue the ladybugs have left behind with a mild soap and water solution.
- Watch for signs: Through the fall, regularly inspect your property to detect any new attempts to move in.
- Consider preventive treatments: If you are faced with recurring infestations, you may want to consider a professionally applied preventive treatment to repel ladybugs before they get in.
Ladybugs may seem like benign creatures, but an infestation of them can rapidly become a quite a headache for homeowners. Remember that against these insects an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!