Even though these little bugs are kind-of cute all decked out in their spotted red or orange bodies, lady beetles can be an all-out nuisance. In some locations, these insects show up in droves and try to take over any structure they can before the cold weather settles in. If you are in an area where lady beetles are an issue, and these insects are making their way into your home, it can be a major headache. Here is a look at some of the things you should know if you have a lady beetle problem in your house.
Lady beetles are attracted to heat and light.
If you only get a few beetles in the house, you will notice that they gravitate toward light and heat. For instance, if you leave a light on over your stove in the kitchen, you will often find the beetles hanging out around this area. These bugs are attracted to heat and light, which can be used to your advantage if you are trying to get rid of them.
Lady beetles can excrete a yellow goo that's not toxic but unsightly.
If you pay close attention to places where lady beetles have been hanging out, you may notice yellow goo left behind. For instance, a cluster of beetles on a white wall may leave the wall with small yellow markings. This yellow goo is actually excrement, and even though it is not considered toxic to humans, it is not something you want marking up your walls.
Lady beetles can be toxic to pets.
If you have a curious canine or kitty in the house that has a tendency to stake out creepy crawlies and eat them, you really do have to be careful if you have a lady beetle problem. These little ladies can be toxic when they are eaten by animals. Most of the time, the animal trying to do the eating will spit the bug out because they have a very bitter taste as a defense mechanism. However, a few ingested beetles may cause some digestive upset and other issues.
Even though lady beetles can seem harmless, they can be a huge problem inside the house. It is best to work with an insect control company for help eliminating the beetles and bug-proofing your home so they cannot get back inside. Through proper measures, you can keep these beetles outside where they can be admired instead of inside where they keep you annoyed.