We just moved in our new house in August. And it is nearly the end of October and our house has been taken over by a form of ladybugs. I am going crazy, from the time I wake up til the time I go to bed I am constantly dragging the vacuum up and down the stairs. I have been vacuuming them away constantly. It seems to work, but every time I think I got them all, along comes another batch. Any ideas or proven remedies? Please help.
I just heard about this last night on the radio. It was suggested that a light box can be used since they are attracted to the light and then they can be transported all at once to the great out doors away from the house. I'm not sure of where to get a light box at. Here's a website that may help: For more detailed information on ladybugs, visit the Ladybug Lady's website (ladybuglady.com)
You could also use a "shop vacuum". This type of vacuum is easy to use for collect ladybugs. When using this to vacuum up ladybugs, use a clean bag or pad the bottom with a cloth. After all is are cleaned up at one time, release the unwelcome guests outside. Hope something helps!
Gee, don't kill the lady bugs. They are an excellent clean up crew for the garden. Gently pick them up and take them outside. They are probably trying to get out of your house too.
You can learn all about these orange, stinky bugs called "Lady Beetles" on AG-PHD, episode #605, originally aired on 11/08/09. I just viewed it online. The Lady Beetles segment is a few minutes into the show. They also recommend an insecticide called Tempo. Good luck!
I have a few in my house too. They seem to congregate by my lights. So I take a cup and a card or newspaper, flip them into the cup and cover it. Once you get a few in there, Open a window and shake the cup so they fly out.
They can fly in when you are simply walking into your home. They are small so its hard to notice! I seem to catch 7-10 every day and set them free again.
A few years ago we had a huge amount so hubby just opened the windows and they flew out themselves. If it is a day that its a little warmer then it is also a great way to freshen the air in your home too.
There is a spray called Home Defense(we get it at the local lumber yard) that works wonders. You spray around the outside of your house foundation and around the windows and any other openings. This really helps keep them out. If an occasional one does get in it doesn't live long after crossing the spray line.
Click on the link and read the heading, "Abstract" to get the scoop on health issues concerning these Asian beetles. The odor they loose in a vacuum is offensive.
If the ladybugs you are talking about are more of an orangish color instead of red, they are an Asian ladybug, and they are a seasonal problem here in the northeast. They come out in the late fall, and they will go away when the weather gets cold. What we do is vacuum them up where ever we find them, but if they're a huge problem, you could try using an insect bomb in your house. Just make sure you follow the directions on the can very carefully.
I didn't know that ladybugs have an odor and can cause health problems. I learn something new every day! So what kind of health problems from them? I haven't had too much problems for about 5 years, I only see them getting between the window screen and closed windows, so they aren't going anywhere inside further.
One year I had a bunch of them, and I found that one of the basement window had a little crack, and apparently that is how they got in. I only saw a couple of them on the curtains over my kitchen sink, and I read about it, and others told me that having ladybugs in the house meant that it was very lucky to have them ;) If you have a whole bunch of them, I can certainly understand why getting rid of so many. Good luck with the ladybug problem.
Insect repellent spray bombs placed a few yards apart in the crawl space under the house worked for us. What few did come in, I was able to control using PineSol and water in a jar with screw top lid. My vac was not needed to get these insects which leave an odor that can cause health problems. Do a google search and you can learn about that.
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Request: How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house?
Archived on 10/23/2009
How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house?
Pat from KY
Feedback:
RE: How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house?
Are these the Asian beetles which invade this time of year? Either way, I vacuum them up, then rubber band a piece of plastic wrap or a baggie over the end of the hose so they can't get out, just in case they try.
If they are real lady bugs, catch them in an empty plastic 2 ltr bottle and release them outside as they are good for the outdoors. (10/23/2006)
These are the Asian transplants, not the real ladybugs? You can tell by their coloring (orangy) and their spots are not rounded. They bite! Be careful. Not the cute ladybugs we used to play with when we were kids. They are coming in to hibernate in the warm house. I just grab them with a tissue, or vacuum them up, like the other lady said. They will be in your walls all winter until spring. They're a nuisance. (10/23/2006)
By BJ-Houghton from Lake, MI
RE: How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house?
Ladybugs are beneficial. You can vacuum them up or better if you sweep them up and toss outside. To keep them out find where they are entering the house and close off the opening. Do not squash them as they can give off an odor. (10/23/2006)
By Dean
RE: How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house?
Someone told me to burn vanilla candles. They come in mostly in my laundry room. I have a very large candle. I burn it in the laundry room for long periods with the door shut. I did it a few weeks ago, and I don't see them hardly at all.
(11/01/2006)
By Linda
RE: How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house?
Being a redneck, I know quite a bit about duct tape, not just any duct tape, Duck brand duct tape. I took my Swiffer sweeper and wrapped duct tape on it sticky side up, it works wonderfully. I also hung strips of duct tape all around the ceiling light and left the light on, this worked great too. You have to be sure to dump them in a plastic bag that zips or ties to assure they don't get out. It helps on the inside, but the outside is another story. Try boric acid around window seals where children cannot get into it. (10/21/2009)
