How to Kill Japanese Lady Bugs
Japanese lady bugs, or Asian lady bugs, are often mistaken for traditional lady bugs. One easy way to distinguish what type of lady bug you have in your home is to look on the back of the beetle, beneath the head. If the lady bugs have an "M"-shaped marking, they are Japanese lady bugs. Although these bugs are a nuisance, they are not harmful to humans. When they are distressed, however, they secrete a yellow-orange substance that can stain walls, furniture and fabric in your home. In addition, when squished, Japanese lady bugs give off an unpleasant odor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Look around windows, doors and any other light source to locate the Japanese lady bugs. They are drawn to light, so they are most often found in these locations.
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Vacuum or sweep up the bugs until they are gone. This may take some time depending on how many bugs you have living in your home.
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Dispose of the bugs by flushing them down the toilet. This is the easiest way to avoid the smell that occurs when the bugs are squished. Unless you or someone in your home is having an allergic reaction to the Japanese lady bug, consider releasing them outside rather than killing them. These bugs are an important part of the ecosystem and help decrease the aphid population significantly.
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Seal any cracks or crevices around your windows and doors using caulking. This will help keep Japanese lady bugs out in the future.
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Tips & Warnings
Check your screens for holes or tears, and replace or repair them to keep these bugs out of your home.
Pesticides are not recommended to kill the Japanese lady bug since the chemicals may do more harm than the lady bug.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Lady Bug image by janr34 from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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You cant seal up a one hundred plus year old building to prevent these things getting in. and the more we vacuum the more they just keep coming. the only thing we know to do is burn down the building. (lol obviously not an option) as many as there are of them... im sure it isn't going to hurt the ecology is some die.
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Japanese ladybugs and Asian ladybugs are not the same specie. All ladybugs do secrete substance and smell bad when crushed. You don't have to kill them, just put them outside. If your home is invaded just vacuum them up. Any questions you can find me at gardenladys.com
