How to Get Rid of Ladybug Imposters
Ladybugs help promote garden health by feeding on plant-devouring aphids. Unfortunately, an imposter ladybug known as the multi-colored Asian ladybeetle may be living in your garden as well. These insects have similar physical characteristics to ladybugs but also feed on plants, making the ladybeetle quite the nuisance. Distinguish the ladybeetle from ladybugs by its yellow or orange wings. Ladybugs are black and red whereas ladybeetles are black and orange. Ladybeetles are also larger than ladybugs. You can remove ladybeetles with a regular insecticide regimen and sealing entrances to your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Inspect your garden and plants for signs of ladybeetle infestation (eaten leaves, stems and so forth). Spray store-bought insecticide around the area. Also spray the insecticide directly on any ladybeetles you find.
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Spray insecticide on the side of your house that receives the most sunlight. Sunlit areas attract ladybeetles during the day. Spraying areas such as walls, cracks, corners and the ground ensures contact between the ladybeetles and the insecticide.
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Seal all outdoor cracks leading into your home with caulking. Ladybeetles look for entryways into your home as they search for food and water. Sealing these cracks removes a source of water and food and lessens the population on your property.
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Inspect your home for any ladybeetles that have successfully gotten through wall and floor cracks. Use the hose function on your vacuum to suck up these bugs. Avoid the use of insecticide indoors as some can be harmful to people and pets. Smashing the ladybeetles creates a foul odor and can stain your walls, so sucking them into the vacuum and then disposing of them outside is a great way of getting rid of the creatures.
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References
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