How do I Get Rid of Flying Ladybugs in the House?

Get rid of flying ladybugs inside your home.

The pretty ladybug is a benefit to your garden, but a nuisance in your home. Ladybugs hibernate in the winter and may take refuge in the warm walls of your home. On a warm winter day, they may wake up and wander into your home. Ladybugs live on the aphids in your outdoor plants and cannot survive inside for long. Since they are a beneficial insect, you probably don't want to kill them, but you can encourage them to move outside.

Things You'll Need

• Weatherstripping seals
• Pantyhose
• Vacuum cleaner

Instructions

1. Seal the windows and doors of your home with weatherstripping seals. The ladybugs are most likely coming into your home through small holes around your windows and doors. When you seal these up, you prevent the ladybugs from coming inside.

2. Place the pantyhose over the hose attachment of the vacuum.

3. Turn the vacuum on.

4. Aim the hose toward the flying ladybugs in your home. This captures them by holding them against the pantyhose.

5. Turn the pantyhose inside out. This captures the ladybugs in a small "bag." Do this with the vacuum still running so that they don't fly away.

6. Release the ladybugs outside. To be on the safe side, you can release them somewhere away from your home.

Tips & Warnings

• If it's spring or summer, release the ladybugs into your garden. If it's still winter, the ladybugs will sleep if it's cold. You can keep them in the bag to save for a spring release in your garden.

References

• NC State University Cooperative Extension: 10 Ladybug Questions
• The Master Gardeners: Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly Away Home