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If you love to work in the garden, then you will know that although ladybugs are technically harmless, they can definitely be a nuisance! It is widely believed that ladybugs bring luck and prosperity, but try telling that to a gardner or a homeowner that has hundreds of the little buggers hibernating in their washroom or around their plants.
In this article, we will take a quick look at the different types of ladybirds, how poisonous they actually are, and how to get rid of them if they are being a nuisance.
Ladybugs: A Biography
There are so many different species of ladybugs in the world. Each of them have their own patterns that make them unique in some way. The most common North American ladybugs include the seven-spotted ladybug, the two-spotted ladybug, the Asian lady beetle which has a beautiful yellow color to it, and the Convergent ladybug which has 12 black spots.
Whilst a nuisance in large droves, a ladybug can be beneficial for farmers or gardeners due to the fact that they eat aphids and pests that could damage crops. In fact, due to their helpful diet, ladybugs are sold at garden centres as pest control for farmers.
Infestations and how to deal with them
Knowing how to get rid of ladybugs efficiently is important, especially if you live in a woodland area, where infestations are likely to be more common. However, prevention is better than cure, so let’s take a look at some preventative measures that you can take to ensure you aren’t dealing with an unwanted infestation.
Close windows and doors
Ladybugs are pretty small and can fit through gaps as small as 1/16th of an inch, so if you are going to close doors or windows, you will want to make sure that there are no holes or small gaps that ladybugs can squeeze through. A good silicone or latex solution will always help in these situations.
Plant repellant flowers
Ladybugs, and most other insects, are repelled by certain smells, fragrances, and flowers. Planting the likes of lavender around entry points to your home will not only provide a beautiful new aesthetic, but will keep ladybugs away as lavender is a well-known repellant.
Too Little too late?
If you have exhausted all of your options or have not thought to prevent an infestation, then fear not, because there are still ways to get rid of unwanted ladybugs from your home.
The most effective way to get rid of a ladybug infestation from your home or from your garden is to call in a team that specializes in pest control. Although expensive, pest control units are trained to deal with infestations of any kind and will always offer a safe and secure solution.
If you don’t want to hire a pest control unit, then you can try some homemade remedies or tried and tested methods that others have used. Perhaps you can take a look at some of those solutions instead, if hiring the pest team is a bridge too far?
Do they bite?
Well, a 2004 study showed that more than 1 in 4 ladybirds would actually bite a human if they were in an enclosed space and felt threatened. The same study showed that ladybugs are likely to bite an area with little to no hair. What is important though, is that while ladybugs can bite, it is not poisonous.
FAQS
Are Ladybugs good luck?
Yes, but it depends on where you are from! Ladybugs are considered a symbol of good luck and happiness in many cultures all over the world.
Are Ladybugs beetles?
Yes, ladybugs are beetles and even have the nickname ‘ladybeetle’.
Are Ladybugs poisonous to dogs?
Medical reports and studies have confirmed that ladybugs are not poisonous to dogs. While if swallowed, will cause discomfort to dogs, they are no danger to them otherwise.
Why are ladybugs red?
Ladybugs have a bright red shell to warn predators that they don’t taste good! It is a protective measure.
Why do ladybugs swarm?
Like any other insect or animal, a ladybug will swarm to stay warm, especially in winter.