Good Lifestyle

Unlike a spider , the cockroach or other apparently sinister creatures, locating a ladybug in your house cannot be likely to wiggle or shout. In fact, ladybugs are generally considered a good omen, bringing luck when they land on you or cross your way. At the same time, certain types of invasive ladybugs may have large problems if they make their way inside your home, including unpleasant odors.

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The problematic variety is the Asian lady ( Harmony axyritis ), as Emma Grace Crumble , entomologist at Mosquito squad , tell Better life .

"They take their name from their origin in Asia and were presented in the United States in the late 1980s," she said. "Their appearance is almost identical to that of the native ladybugs with the exception of two key characteristics: their lighter and more orange coloring and the presence of a form of" m "on their pronotum (the part of shield of the body which covers cover it with the head). "

According to Crumbley, unlike ladybugs from the United States, the invasive variety also likes to make their way in houses.

"While an occasional ladybugs can trip in a house or hitchhiker on a person's clothes as they cross the door, the Asian beetles will enter larger groups in larger groups and to both, "she shares. "Although they do not pose any structural damage or concern of human health, their great invasions can be a nuisance for owners who seek peace of mind in the fall and winter."

In addition to being a nuisance, when they feel threatened, these ladybugs produce "a nauseating liquid of their leg joints, which can leave marks of spots on the walls and fabrics," said Crumble.

According to Charles Van Rees , PHD, conservation scientist, naturalist and founder of the Gulo in nature Blog, this fluid is a defense mechanism that ladybugs often use against "great threats like people".

"This aims to offend potential predators so that they can escape. Reflex bleeding is the entomological term for the mechanism by which ladybugs do it," he explains. "Rather than secreting these chemicals through specialized glands or other fabrics" meant to free these chemicals, they simply extract part of their own hemolymph (blood equivalent), mixed with these chemicals offensive, through the gaps in their exoskeletal armor ''. '"

Fortunately, ladybugs are not toxic to humans (although they can bite if they feel threatened enough). But if a pet ingests several ladybugs, it could end up becoming sick, Megan WEDE , marketing director and co -owner of Well -made pest solutions , tell Better life . She also underlines that ladybugs can arouse allergens when they make their way in the gaps and the vents of the wall.

With all this in mind, you should work to keep the ladybugs out of your home if possible. It is now time of action too, because these beetles are cold and more likely to stop when temperatures drop, says Crumbley.

"Like other wintering insects, ladybugs will benefit from all the entry points they can find," warns Van Rees. "The gaps in the coatings, around windows or doors, and doors or windows left the first time during the fall create an opportunity for them. Lady: ladybugs will not generally start to look for in your home until this That winter is on the way, so it's time to be the most prudent. "

Read the rest to find out how experts recommend keeping the ladybugs out of your home - and what if it is already too late.

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Wede notes that ladybugs can enter through cracks as small as a eighth to a quarter inch in diameter. (By way of comparison, the mice need the full thick.)

Thus, while winter has already arrived, it is always worth taking a look around your home and checking all the potential entry points, especially around the facing, windows and doors, According to Van Rees.

"Use a steel wool, a copper mesh or another type of metal mesh to fill the gaps, or try a foam like good things," advises Wede. "If there are larger openings, you might need caulking, cement or other adhesives. You may be able to meet a deficiency that may need a help from a service entrepreneur or of an approved entrepreneur. "

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WEDE also recommends using a mixture of water and dish soap, especially the DAWN brand, to prevent ladybugs from invasing. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"This is something I recommend if you have edible food plants around the outside of your home and you don't want to use chemicals," she said. "It also works inside the house to kill ladybugs."

It continues with a word of prudence: "This method is very tedious because you will have to reapply it every two days, whether inside the house (if they are already inside your home) or The outside of your house in the fall (time wears out soap and water mixture). If you have time to pass this method, this is a good option. "

According to HowstuffWorks, you should spray the mixture In areas where ladybugs are likely to come together, or on the bug directly if you locate one.

Crumbley notes that you can find ladybugs in all your home, but large infestations are more likely in the areas "which are not disturbed for long periods", so stay above these can save you time and a potential bill of a professional service.

"The attic, or a highest part of the house (stories, high shelves, even lighting) tends to have the most Ladybeetles hiding," she reveals. "The heat increases, and especially during the cooler months, insects want to go out where the heat is."

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As January has arrived, you may have missed the boat on preventive measures. However, experts say that there are several ways to eliminate ladybugs.

After sealing all potential entry points to ensure that new ladybugs cannot make their way, experts recommend non -chemical approaches such as glue strips or vacuum cleaners to eliminate ladybugs.

"If you are not worried about hurting them, they can be deleted using a vacuum cleaner, especially if they are in a tight or difficult place to reach," explains Van Rees. "Otherwise, I generally collect them in my hand or I use a brush and a dust shovel or a pot and a piece of paper. Handling of ladybugs is generally safe, although you can get some of their juice frightened '' stinking on you. "

When you "escort" the ladybugs outside, Van Rees suggests finding them an alternative house for winter, as in a litter of leaves or the hollow of a tree.

One thing you should not do when you treat a ladybug infestation for yourself, however, is to use chemicals purchased in stores, warns Crumbley.

"Although there are a number of over-the-counter products, you can buy this assertion to work on each pest, these products are not intended to strengthen and protect your home all year round," she said. "In addition, dead beetles can attract other pests nearby and lead to other problems."

If everything else fails, it may be time to call professional antiparasitic control services to treat plinths and entry points with a chemical that is sure for you, but that will kill ladybugs, note Wede. This is particularly important if you suffer from allergies, she said.

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