How to Get Rid of Lady Bugs

Although cute at times and kids love to try to catch them, lady bugs can be annoying when swarms of them gather near your house.  Here's how to get rid of lady bugs.

There are numerous species of lady bugs, but the most commonly known is called “Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle” that originates from Asia, but is commonly found all over homes in the US, sometimes in large, overwhelming numbers.

Lady bugs practically feed on insect pests, and are been used as effective control against harmful pests, such as aphids, scale and other soft-bodied arthropods.

However, this good point is also responsible for the problem lady bugs are causing for homeowners. Lady bugs often overstay their welcome, even after winter, and can go into your home.  Some species eat off cloth and cause damage to household items, while sometimes secreteing a foul-smelling fluid that can stain carpets and walls.

To get rid of lady bugs, the best thing is to prevent them from entering your home, both during the fall and winter seasons. Caulking exterior cracks and crevices - before lady bugs start to settle down will keep them out, and it could also keep out other insects such as wasps.

But if the infestation is already heavy, applying chemical pest insecticide may be the best choice, but make sure you seek the advice of a professional pest control person. 

Another good method is to use a light trap. Lady bugs are naturally attracted to light, even light inside a house.  So set up an indoor radiating light to attract them, and as they approach it, they’ll get trapped in a removable bag already positioned to catch them.

Also, you should keep any holes near your house blocked. Make sure your windows, doors and outdoor areas around pipes and wires are properly caulked or otherwise sealed. Weather stripping can reduce the gap between the floor and outer doors that let lady bugs into your house.

Use a vacuum: This method is great at getting rid of lady bugs. Put a sock onto the end of the hose that runs into the vacuum bag to create a "trap" when you go to collect the bugs.