How to Get Rid of Ladybugs

When growing up, ladybugs were considered beautiful and fun to play and hold. These small bugs appear harmless, and their bright appearance makes them attractive. Ladybugs are considered beneficial as they feed on plant-eating insects like aphids.

However, not all ladybugs are beneficial, and some may gather in large numbers, making them a nuisance. It can be challenging to control them without help.

Read on to learn about how to get rid of ladybugs in your house.

Identifying Ladybugs

Ladybugs or lady beetles are common throughout the United States. Contrary to popular belief, not all ladybugs are red and black.

Ladybugs can be orange, brown, yellow, red, or shiny black. They have different markings, including dark spots.

These bugs are about 1/31-3/8 inches in length. Their broadly oval shape, antennae, and six legs are distinguishable characteristics.

What Do They Eat?

Ladybugs consume plant-eating insects like scale insects, mites, aphid, and mealy bugs. Some species are destructive and feed on plants.

Where Do They Live?

Ladybug populations increase during the spring and summer months. They are widespread because of aphid infestations and tender foliage.

The adults like protected areas under rocks, leaves, and landscape timbers. Some species inhabit homes and large buildings.

Do Ladybugs Pose any Threats?

Most species do not pose any danger or health threat to humans. However, the Asian Lady Beetle can cause allergic reactions and aggravate asthma. The foul-smelling viscous yellow fluid can also stain fabrics and surfaces.

How to Get Rid of Ladybugs

If you’re dealing with a ladybug infestation, below are some tips on how to kill ladybugs.

Use Soapy Water

You can get rid of ladybugs inside house by using soapy water. Take a bottle and pour in liquid soap, mix it with water to form a soapy solution. Spray the solution on a ladybug once you spot it. The mixture will prevent them from reproducing.

Vacuum or Sweep

Squashing ladybugs can leave behind an unpleasant smell, not to forget ugly stains on your fabric and other surfaces. The best way to handle ladybugs in house is to suck them up with a vacuum and empty the bag immediately to avoid leaving the stench on the vacuum.

Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth

The National Pesticide Information Center discovered that diatomaceous earth could help ward off many species of insects like ladybugs. It’s not toxic to humans and pets. All you need is to sprinkle it into cracks and gaps in the house. DE kills insects by drying them out and absorbing their fats and oils.

Use a Ladybug Trap

A ladybug light trap attracts large numbers of these insects. It’s the best way to get rid of ladybugs without killing them. Scientists at the Ohio State University recommend light traps as being 70% effective at capturing Asian lady beetles.

The trap has a lamp and bulbs. You can opt for incandescent light or black light ones. Place these bulbs in a jug where you can release the ladybugs outside. Alternatively, you can find commercial traps that have pheromone to attract beetles.

Plant Mums

You don’t have time to plant an entire garden to repel ladybugs from your home. However, you can quickly get rid of them by potting mums. Ladybugs don’t like mums, and the plants can serve as a ladybug repellent.

Place the plant near the entry points, windowsills, or the doors. You can also make a window box and place the plant there to repel these bugs. Mums can also prevent a flea infestation.

Use Natural Oils and Spices

Citrus or citronella oil can help remove ladybugs from your home. These insects release pheromones, which attract other bugs leading to an infestation. These oils remove the ladybug scent from your house, which in turn prevents a swarm. Also, you can use lavender essential oil to repel ladybugs.

Spices like bay leaves and cloves act as excellent ladybug repellents. Place them inside your house and watch the bugs leave.

Winterize the House

You’ll find ladybugs in your house, mostly during the winter. They crawl into crevices, holes, and cracks in your flooring and walls.

They will hibernate until spring. If you need to get rid of ladybugs in house, ensure that you seal off any cracks or gaps.

Sealing and caulking the doors and windows ensures that the bugs do not have a way to get inside. Do these two weeks before fall begins to ensure prevention.

Have a Garden

If you don’t’ already have a garden, you should consider getting one. Ladybugs love being around flowers and plants, as this is where they get their food. Having a garden distracts them from getting inside your house. Moreover, they can hibernate in the garden when fall arrives.

Professional Pest Control

Although ladybugs aren’t harmful, they can be annoying. Moreover, they release an unpleasant smell and multiply like crazy. If you’ve tried the above methods on how to get rid of ladybugs inside house and nothing seems to work, you should consider reaching out to a professional pest control company.

They have trained staff who can recommend the safest treatment options, and advise you on how to prevent the problem in the future.