We've had some calls to the station about the invasion of ladybugs or Asian Ladybugs recently, so I turned to County Extension Agent Lane Dunn who said he's also received several calls from citizens about the pesky beetles outside and inside their homes.

 

Dunn says they're simply looking for warmth, shelter and something to eat. He added they're harmless and are not structure-damaging pest, and best way to prevent them getting into your home is to seal off cracks, crevices and vents in your residence.

 

Dunn said the early cold weather we had is probably one of the reasons they're showing up in large numbers.

 

After looking on the Internet, I discovered the reason they swarm is that they hibernate in clusters, and when one finds a suitable place, it releases signal that attracts a couple of gazillon of them.

 

Dunn says we can look at the ladybugs or beetles as being beneficial, in that they are predators, consuming aphids and other insects that are harmful to pets and plants.

 

Some folks have looked at the ladybug as being "good luck".

 

Dunn noted if you are determined to kill the beetles, he suggested a concentrate known as "Tempo", about a pint mixed with water in a sprayer will help, but use only outdoors. The ladybugs when dead can stink.

 

He added there's also a large number of Yellowjacks and bees swarming around, that's a different problem that you sure don't want to get stirred up.

 

The distinction between a ladybug and Asian Ladybug is that the later has a yellowish shell.