How to Kill Lady Bugs in a House
"Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home," suggest the lyrics to a childhood song. But if ladybugs have invaded your home, it will take more than a friendly suggestion to get rid of them. Although the ladybug, also known as the multicolored Asian lady beetle, will do no harm to your home, it can become quite a nuisance. During the fall and winter months, ladybugs like to venture inside, especially to light-colored homes and sun-drenched walls. They sometimes bite, causing little more than an annoyance, and might leave a bit of a smear on your walls or floors. They also have an unpleasant odor when they are crushed. Preventing their invasion is almost impossible, but can be attempted; for getting rid of them, your vacuum cleaner is your best weapon. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Caulk
- Trees, ready to plant
- Pyrethroid insecticides
- Vacuum cleaner
- Ladybug light trap
Instructions
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Apply caulk to exterior gaps around windows, doors and any other likely entry spots. However, according to the Iowa State University Department of Entomology, even your best effort to seal ladybugs out will prove ineffective. More long-term success might be found from planting trees on the sunny sides of your home, according to Iowa State, due to ladybugs' attraction to bright areas.
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Spray pyrethroid insecticide such as permethrin or esfenvalerate to the outside of your home, especially if you have an overwhelming infestation. Although this method is not completely effective at blocking entry, it can help.
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Vacuum or sweep the ladybugs up and discard them away from your home. This simple step is the easiest and most straightforward way to rid your home of ladybugs.
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Buy an interior light trap, which uses not only ultra-violet light but also a pheromone lure to attract ladybugs. A light trap is not intended to replace the use of permethrin.
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Tips & Warnings
According to experts from Iowa State, insecticides other than pyrethroids usually do not work for killing ladybugs.
