3 Ways to Prepare for Common Springtime Ladybug Invasions

Springtime ladybug invasions may be annoying, but they’re completely normal ever since the multicolored Asian lady beetle was introduced to the eastern US in the late 1970s. These beetles were integrated by the US Department of Agriculture in the hopes of controlling the aphid population. But years later, they are responsible for unpleasant swarms and household infestations in the fall and spring.

If you’re sick of vacuuming up hundreds of ladybugs in your house along with your regular spring cleaning, you can use these precautionary measures to keep ladybugs outdoors where they belong with each change in season:

1. Contact your exterminator in advance. Consulting with pest control services in Birmingham is the best way to stop problems before they start. A skilled exterminator will be able to treat the inside and outside of your home to prepare for an upcoming “ladybug attack.”

   Routine pest control on a quarterly basis will make it easier to keep indoor bug populations under control so that an infestation doesn’t get out of hand.

2. Winterize your house. This preventative measure can be taken care of in the fall, before cooler weather hits. It makes a world of difference to winterize your house by sealing holes, cracks, and crevices between door jams and windows; this will eliminate any entry points that have allowed ladybugs to enter in the past.

   As an added bonus, winterizing your home effectively will also improve energy efficiency to reduce wintertime heating bills. Keep in mind that this precautionary method could cost you money as you may need to hire a professional to seal your house inside and out. However, filling cracks and holes in the house will quickly pay off over time.

3. Plug utility outlets. While this precautionary measure may seem extreme, it will ensure that determined ladybugs don’t have the opportunity to make it into the four walls of your home. It helps to check any areas where wires and pipes enter the foundation of your house, as well as siding located around gas meters, telephone and cable wires, and outdoor faucets.

   Make sure that all gaps are plugged completely and place screens over ventilation openings throughout the house, including the attic.

 

With these three tips in your arsenal, it should be almost effortless to prevent a ladybug invasion in the spring. Although ladybugs are known to be beautiful and adorable, they are best enjoyed from afar instead of inside your home!