Some of the bugs that you may begin to see more often this time of year are lady beetles and box elder bugs. As temperatures drop, these bugs will congregate in sunny locations, often on the south side of buildings, trying to stay warm. They search for cracks and crevices where they can overwinter (a process similar to hibernation).
Although the masses of bugs may frighten some, there is no logical reason for concern, as they are harmless and do not carry germs. In fact, lady beetles are highly desirable in the garden and landscape as beneficial insects, because they prey on aphids and other soft-bodied insects that damage plants. The multi-colored Asian lady beetle is a voracious eater and can consume 5,000 aphids during its lifetime. Lady beetles do not eat while they are overwintering, but instead live off of their stored reserves.
Box elder bugs eat the seeds of maple and box elder trees, among others. They lay their eggs in the spring in the crevices of tree bark. In addition to seeing these bugs outdoors, you may also see them indoors, as they can enter homes through cracks.
As a defensive tactic, lady beetles can secrete a yellowish fluid, which is actually their blood. This is called defensive bleeding. The fluid has a foul odor, so avoid smashing or swatting at them.
To remove these bugs in the house, simply vacuum them up and dump the bag outside, away from the house. To prevent more bugs from getting in, seal cracks around windows and doors and around plumbing and electrical lines coming into the house. Chemical control is generally not recommended.
Lady beetles and box elder bugs can fit through very small cracks like those in siding and around soffit or attic vents, so completely ridding your home of these insects can be very difficult.
My advice is to live with these guys. After all, their presence is only temporary. They’ll be gone in the spring.
For more information on bugs in and around the home, visit North Carolina State University’s Insect Notes at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement