Lady Bugs

What Exactly Are Lady Bugs?

While they are not known for being members of the Coccinellidae Family, ladybugs are well known throughout Norfolk. Many folks encounter them in the outdoors every day. Picnic, backyard outings, and barbecues. These are not uncommon places to spot ladybugs. Heck, it’s even common to see them in the home, although this is not an experience you want to encounter. These little critters grow from 1/32 inches to ½ an inch and are most commonly scarlet, orange, or yellow with the legs, head, and antennae all being solid black.

There are over 5000 species known throughout the world, but only 450 of these species are native to North America. There are even fewer native to Norfolk. Regardless, they all have similar temperaments and moods. Most people don’t even consider these bugs to be a nuisance because they feed on other common aphids, but they can be quite the nuisance, especially when they are encroaching on your place of business. These bugs commonly feed on aphids like mealybugs, and mites found in gardens and orchards. This was why they were released in the United States in the first place.

They were released as a means of agricultural control, and this is a practice that the Mall of American still keeps up with to this very day. They have released over 2 million bugs since the early nineties. Whatever the situation, these are not a critter you want lingering around the home or business.

Why Are Ladybugs On My Property?

You just learned that ladybugs were released into North America and Europe as a means of agricultural control. So, why are they in the home if they love the gardens and orchards so much? It’s because they can’t survive the winter. If Norfolk is known for anything, it’s known for its harsh winters. They can’t survive the frost and snow conditions. This is why the bug’s numbers stayed contained when they were first released. As time went on, they learned how to survive by moving into nearby homes and properties. And, that is why they are in your home. They are there to hibernate through the upcoming snow and frost conditions.

Are They Dangerous?

While there isn’t a lot positive you can say about the ladybug, at least you don’t have to worry about them imposing a physical threat. They don’t bite, they don’t sting, and they don’t transmit diseases. The primary concern with these critters is the nuisance they create. And, they can create quite a nuisance. All this being said, there are been some reported cases in Norfolk where these bugs have bitten or nipped at homeowners. There was no major harm done during the event!

How Do I Get Rid Of Ladybugs?

Just because ladybugs might look like festive critters and don’t pose much of a physical threat, you don’t want them hanging around the property. It has been reported by several individuals that they taste awful. With their small stature, they can easily make their way into your drinks and food products. Another thing to note is, these bugs do not build nests in your home. They venture into the home and make their way to the wall voids to ride out the winter. However, they do not nest. They aggregate, meaning they can easily just pick up and move when needed.

The wrong method of elimination can just further push the critter into the property. Most people don’t start seeing bugs in the property until they wake up and try to venture back outside. When the bugs think the weather has turned back warm, they will wake up and try to venture back outdoors. This is when most homeowners start spotting the critters on the property. You’d think giving them a helping hand back out would be simple enough. Unfortunately, things aren’t that simple. Elimination usually requires the administration of pesticides.

Can I Get Rid Of Lady Bugs Myself?

Now that you have an overall understanding of ladybugs, you can see how they are so hard to eliminate. Although, they do not want to be indoors, eliminating them isn’t just as simple as forcing them back outside. Especially not if you are trying to force them into the cold weather. Forcing them outside in warmer climates is one thing, but putting them out in the cold will likely only force them back inside. Most people do this by vacuuming them up and disposing of the bag in sealed containers.

While this is a good tactic, it won’t eliminate the problem. To eradicate bed bugs, you will have to administer pesticides. Pesticides that aren’t available to the general public. There are over-the-counter versions available, but they just aren’t as effective because they are missing the necessary ingredients.

When Can Help Get Rid?

Norfolk is a unique area with a huge pest problem. Given that we are a premier pest provider in the area, we stay extremely busy. However, we are always willing to make exceptions. This is probably why we stay busy all year round. All you have to do is give us a call, set up an appointment, and we’ll get someone out to the property within the next 24 to 48 hours. There are emergency services available if and when they are needed. All you have to do is pick up the phone and give us a call. We always have someone standing by at our Norfolk offices.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.