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Ladybugs are usually very beneficial insects; they feed on aphids, mites, and other bugs that can harm landscaping and other plants. Many people even find them cute! Even so, there are times when the ladybug population grows out of hand and you might consider ladybug control services to get them out of your property. For businesses like warehouses and distribution centers that need to keep a close eye on pests of all kinds, this might be a necessity.
If you need help with commercial pest control services, count on Assured Environments to give you the customized service you need.
What do Ladybugs Look Like?
Size: Varies based on specific species, but most ladybugs measure between 1 and 10 millimeters.
Color: Ladybugs are famous for the vibrant red or orange color of their wing sheaths. Different species of ladybugs could be red, orange, tan, or even yellow.
Ladybug Control and Prevention
The first step is to find areas where ladybugs congregate and clean the site with soapy water or bleach to wash away the pheromone scent. Vacuum up swarms of ladybugs to remove them and throw the bag away when you’re finished.
Ladybugs enter buildings through small cracks and crevices. Inspect your building for vulnerabilities around the baseboard, frames, utility lines, foundation, and vents. Seal up any cracks and crevices you find with caulk. Exclusion is a very powerful tool you can use to prevent pest infestations of any kind.
Signs of a Ladybug Infestation
In the winter, ladybugs may enter a building in large numbers to keep warm. Check damp, dark areas of your building. Overwintering ladybugs may be attracted to basements, crawl spaces, attics, or closets.
When ladybugs congregate, they give off pheromones that attract more ladybugs. Ladybugs tend to congregate on light-colored surfaces that reflect sunlight. They’re particularly common in spring and fall.
Scientific Information
Scientific Order: Coleoptera (all Beetles)
Scientific Family: Coccinellidae
Common Species:
- The convergent lady beetle (hippodamia convergens)
- The seven-spotted ladybug (coccinella septempunctata)
Reproduction and Ladybug Life Cycle
Ladybugs reproduce sexually. During mating season, ladybugs secrete pheromones to attract partners. After fertilization, female ladybugs may wait several months before laying eggs. A single female ladybug can lay hundreds of eggs at once.
Ladybugs go through four life cycle stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. A single female ladybug can lay hundreds of eggs at once. Ladybugs grow faster in warm environments where food is abundant. After reaching adulthood, most ladybugs live for about one more year.
Ladybug Diet and Behavior
Ladybugs are carnivorous and primarily prey on aphids. Some species also feed on scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and other small or developing pests. Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects because they hunt crop-destroying pests.
To find aphids, ladybugs typically spend most of their time flying around the plant life aphids prey on. Ladybugs are also very temperature-sensitive, so when they aren’t hunting, they seek out sunlit surfaces where they can congregate.
Count on Assured Pest Solutions for Ladybug Pest Control in New York
The Assured Environments team has 91 years of experience with pest control all over New York. Our team’s dedication to high-quality commercial pest control has protected properties in the area since 1934, and since then we’ve kept up on all the latest technologies and techniques to keep ahead of the pests. We start with comprehensive inspections and follow through with personalized pest management plans.
Give us a call today to get started with a free inspection!
Ladybug FAQ
Are ladybugs harmless?
Ladybugs are primarily a nuisance pest. They do produce a mild toxin that is harmless unless ingested. They can release an unpleasant odor when threatened and may stink when they die.
How many spots do ladybugs have?
Most ladybugs have black dots on their wing sheaths. The number, size, and arrangement of dots varies from species to species--there are two-spotted, seven-spotted, and nine-spotted species.
Is a ladybug a beetle?
Despite their name, ladybugs are considered beetles. They have all the defining characteristics of all species in the beetle family, including the elytra wing covers.
Are ladybugs attracted to light?
Yes. They favor light and light colors. Ladybugs seek out warm areas.
Where do ladybugs lay eggs?
Ladybugs lay their bright yellow eggs on the undersides of leaves where they are protected from weather and predators. Often, they favor an area with aphids so the hatchlings will have a food source.
What do ladybugs eat?
Primarily aphids. An adult ladybug may eat upwards of 50 aphids a day, endearing themselves to farmers and gardeners alike. Ladybugs will also eat other soft insects and mites.
How long do ladybugs live?
About one year.
Do ladybugs bite?
It’s rare but possible that a ladybug would bite you in self-defense. They carry no diseases and unless you’re allergic a bite will feel like a small pinch at worst.
How to get rid of ladybugs?
Keep cracks and holes along your home or business sealed. Vacuum them up. If you need assistance removing ladybugs or diagnosing where they came in, call the pest control experts at Assured Environments.