Ceyron Cran: Welcome back to the Loyalty Termite and Pest Control Podcast! I’m your host, Ceyron Cran, and today we’re talking about an insect that most people consider cute and beneficial… until they find hundreds of them crawling on their windows and walls! Yes, we’re talking about Lady Beetles, or as many call them, ladybugs, particularly the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle. Here in Newark, DE, they can become a massive nuisance as the seasons change. But don’t worry, we’re here to give you the lowdown on how to keep them out!

What makes Loyalty Termite and Pest Control your unique solution for lady beetle invasions? It’s our specialized understanding of overwintering pest behavior and our targeted, preventative exclusion services. Unlike common nuisance pests, lady beetles aren’t seeking food or water indoors; they’re looking for a warm place to hibernate. We know precisely when and how they try to enter your home, allowing us to apply proactive exterior treatments and meticulous sealing techniques in the late summer and early fall, before they become a problem. We’re about stopping the invasion before it starts, giving you a truly bug-free home.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles were introduced to control aphids, and they do a fantastic job! However, come late summer and early fall, as outdoor temperatures begin to drop, these beneficial insects become a major household pest. They gather in large clusters on the sunny, warm sides of homes, seeking tiny cracks and openings to gain entry to your wall voids and attics where they will overwinter. Once inside, they may emerge on warmer winter days or if your heating system runs, becoming a nuisance with their sheer numbers and, if crushed, releasing a foul-smelling, yellow fluid that can stain surfaces.

Steps to Stay Protected from Lady Beetles:

Seal Every Exterior Crack & Crevice (Early Fall is Prime Time!): This is your primary defense.
Caulk around windows and door frames: Inspect thoroughly, as even tiny gaps are enough for them.
Repair or replace damaged screens: Check all window, door, and attic/foundation vents.
Seal gaps around utility penetrations: Where pipes, wires, and cables enter your home.
Check fascia, soffits, and siding: Look for any loose areas or openings, especially at rooflines.
Install door sweeps and weatherstripping: Ensure tight seals on all exterior doors.
Outdoor Lighting Management:
Reduce exterior lighting at night: Lady beetles are attracted to bright lights. During the fall, especially on warm evenings, dim outdoor lights or use motion-sensor lights to make your home less appealing.
Consider yellow “bug lights”: These are less attractive to many insects.
Vacuum Indoors (Gently!): If they do get inside, the best way to remove them is with a vacuum cleaner. Use a stocking placed inside the vacuum hose to collect them without crushing them, then dispose of them outdoors far from your home. Crushing them will release their odor and potentially stain surfaces.
Trim Back Vegetation: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home’s exterior, especially on the sunny sides. This reduces direct access to your walls.
Expert Tip You Might Not Know:

Here’s an expert tip about Lady Beetles that many homeowners miss: They are strongly attracted to light-colored surfaces, especially those warmed by the sun. Your light-colored siding, particularly on the south and west-facing sides of your house, acts like a giant, irresistible magnet for them in the fall. If you’re building or repainting, choosing darker or less reflective exterior colors in high-sun areas can significantly reduce the number of lady beetles that congregate on your home’s exterior, thereby decreasing their chances of finding a way inside. It’s a color choice that can literally deter thousands of bugs!

While these steps can greatly reduce their numbers, a persistent lady beetle invasion, especially one where they’ve found multiple entry points, often requires professional intervention. Loyalty Termite and Pest Control offers specialized exterior treatments and exclusion services designed to create a protective barrier around your home, ensuring these seemingly harmless, but numerous, pests stay outside.

Thanks for tuning in, and enjoy a truly bug-free home! And for comprehensive pest solutions that protect your family and property, call us for a FREE 58-point inspection! That’s 302-386-3999 or visit us online at loyaltypest.com.

The post Ladybug Logic: From Cute to Clustered! What You Need to Know for a Bug-Free Newark Home! appeared first on Loyalty Termite and Pest Control Wilmington Deleware.