How To Keep The Ladybugs Out

How To Keep The Ladybugs Out

When we think of winter pests we usually think of squirrels, raccoons, rodents, and spiders. Ladybugs aren’t usually at the top of our list, but they are one of the most common winter pests. During the warmer months of the year, ladybug populations grow as they feed on the foliage and aphids. With the onset of colder weather, these food sources diminish, forcing them indoors in search of food and warmth. Ladybugs will seek shelter under rocks, leaves, and timber, and inside buildings and homes.

Ladybugs aren’t considered a threat to humans. However, they have been known to cause allergic reactions in some people and aggravate asthma. They also give off a smelly, yellow colored fluid that stains anything it comes in contact with.

The best way to prevent ladybugs is to eliminate ways for them to get into your home. Make sure the cracks around your windows, doors, siding and utility pipes are sealed. You can use a silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal. Repair and replace damaged screens on both windows and doors. If you already have ladybugs in your home, the best way to get rid of them is with a vacuum cleaner. Empty the vacuum bag into a trash bag and seal it tightly and dispose of it outside immediately. If you suspect you have a ladybug infestation, contact a professional pest control company to provide you with a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.

Know Your Red & Black Bugs

Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.

If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems.  Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.

Lady Bug

Ladybug larva and adult ladybug  – Beneficial insect

–  Overwinters

–  Feeds on aphids

Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population

Box Elder Bug

an overhead view of a bunch of Box Elder Bugs and a close-up of a box elderbug

–  Overwinters

–  Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant

–   Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant

 

Milkweed Bug

 overhead view of a bunch of Milkweed bugs and a close-up of a milkweed bug  – Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds

Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides

 

Leaf-Footed Stink Bug

an overhead view of Leaf-footed stink bugs on a leaf and a close-up of one

–      Feeds on a wide variety of host plants

–       Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell

–       Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs

Wheel Bug

Wheel Bug on a leaf and on a white surface

 

–       Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax

–       Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids

Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed

Know Your Red & Black Bugs

Spring is a time when everything comes to life, blooming into an array of lovely colors. You’ll see flowers that are pink and purple, baby bunnies that are tan or gray and insects that are red and black. Just like every other little life form emerging this time of year, insects can also be a variety of colors and it’s important not to get them confused. Some bugs you might spot frequently are of the Georgia Bulldog variety – red and black spots, stripes and even a combination of both.
If any of these insects or other pests become too much of nuisance, Northwest Exterminating has the expertise and knowledge to take care of your bug problems.  Our Director of Pest Services Adam Vannest has provided some information about these bugs that will help you know the difference and what measures to take against them.
Lady Bug
Ladybug larva and adult ladybug  – Beneficial insect
–  Overwinters
–  Feeds on aphids
Control Measures: exclusion and vacuuming for long-term prevention. When necessary, chemical contact treatments can knock down a population

Box Elder Bug

an overhead view of a bunch of Box Elder Bugs and a close-up of a box elderbug

–  Overwinters

–  Female: Box Elder trees and Silver Maple trees serve as the primary host plant

–   Control Measures: Exclusion and a contact/residual application around the foundation and base of host plant

 
Milkweed Bug
 overhead view of a bunch of Milkweed bugs and a close-up of a milkweed bug  – Found in gardens on Milkweed plants or around shelled sunflower seeds
Control Measures: Over-the-counter garden insecticides
 

Leaf-Footed Stink Bug

an overhead view of Leaf-footed stink bugs on a leaf and a close-up of one

–      Feeds on a wide variety of host plants

–       Besides birds, they do not have too many natural predators due to their taste and smell

–       Control Measures: Over-the-counter insecticides for garden areas. Outside of the garden, any contact or residual product labeled for stink bugs

Wheel Bug
Wheel Bug on a leaf and on a white surface
 
–       Semicircular cogwheel-like crest on its thorax
–       Feeds on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, aphids
Control Measures: Prevention is the key! All plants should be inspected before they enter the home. Exclusion should be performed for long-term prevention. All vegetation should be trimmed away from the home, at least one foot. Pesticides are rarely needed

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