Asian ladybugs coming indoors - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

November 10, 2011

While most bugs want to hibernate or over winter outside, some ladybugs like to come indoors for winter. There is a relatively new species of ladybugs in our area called the Asian ladybug. They were imported about 20 years ago to eat aphids and other insects in fields, but what ended up happening is they spread all over the place. What they like to do on warm fall days is congregate on the south side of buildings like your house or your garage. Then they find places like little cracks and crevices to overwinter. Sometimes they can get into your house.

Once they get in they tend to hang out on the windows, but they aren't necessarily getting in through the windows. They are getting in through the cracks near the doors, wiring, pipes, or through the attic. They are attracted to light, so they end up going to your window once inside. Often they'll congregate in a group up in the corner in your ceiling and hibernate. They'll just hang out there all winter.

They don't hurt the house, they won't bite you, they don't spread disease, and they won't eat the aphids on houseplants this time of year. But still some people don't like them. So if you want to get rid of them the best way is with a dust buster vacuum. You suck them up with a vacuum, take out the bag, bring them outside, and let them go free.

Don't try spraying them indoors or outside, that won't work. Certainly don't try to knock them down with a broom because they'll let off this yellow stain that can stain your walls and curtains and it has a bad smell, too.

By Charlie Nardozzi