How to Prevent Ladybugs in the House

Ladybugs may have been fun to play with as a child, but most adults don't want swarms of the polka-dotted bugs inside their home. Ladybugs usually start to appear indoors when the weather gets cooler in the fall. They are looking for a warm place to spend the winter. When temperatures start to drop, ladybugs will swarm into or onto a building that is illuminated by the sun. Homes near the woods or fields are especially prone to infestation. With just a few simple steps, you can avoid a ladybug infestation in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone caulk
• Caulk gun
• Non-expanding foam
• Weatherstripping
• Diatomaceous earth pesticide
• Insecticide
• Vacuum

Instructions

How To Prevent Ladybugs In the House

1. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk because ladybugs enter your walls through cracks.

2. Inspect screen doors, screen windows and screened-in porches to ensure that they are not loose and that they fit the frame they are resting in because ladybugs can also enter your home through loose screens.

3. Inspect door frames, window frames and siding.

4. Seal any loose siding that surrounds air vents, door frames and window frames and screened-in areas. Caulk can be used on loose siding. Weatherstripping and non-expanding foam can be used on loose door and window frames. If you are having a difficult time, or the areas do not remain sealed, call a professional.

5. Line the outside of your home with food grade diatomaceous earth to keep the bugs away. It is a natural pesticide detergent.

6. Spray insecticide along all windows and doors outside. Use a heavy layer and try especially to cover areas where the insecticide won't wash off in rain.

7. Vacuum up any dead ladybugs. Leaving dead ladybugs in your home may cause different insects to come in, producing another infestation.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when using insecticides, especially if you have children or pets. They could get sick by ingesting insecticides.

References

• Ladybug Information
• Tips