Attack of the Ladybug!

Attack of the Ladybug!

Thousands of ladybugs swarmed our windows last fall. Blame the assault on the weather. Even though ladybugs live outdoors from spring to fall, they cannot fly when temperatures go lower than 55 degrees. That's when they retreat to the crevises in our homes on the south sides of our homes, and remain until the spring. When we have a sudden warm spell, we will see them come out ready to fly, as they are lured into the sense that their season is here.

Technically, these ladies,- and gentlemen - are not bugs at all, but rather beetles. They consume up to 270 aphids (plant eating insects) a day. They are harmless, but do release a stinky yellow liquid, which is sometimes referred to as "ladybug blood."

They originate in Asia, and were introduced to America years ago to help in the aphid problem, but now seem to have exploded themselves in population.

Do you have them trying to exit your homes this spring?

Attack of the Ladybug!