Are Ladybugs Good Luck?

Only if you want to rid yourself and your property of Aphids. Aphids are an insect that are ‘sap’ feeders. Sap feeders can damage crops and flowers. The thought that ladybugs bring good luck most likely came from the fact that farmers used them to keep their Aphid population down which in turn would give them a more plentiful crop.

Ladybugs don’t harm humans or pets. They can emit a foul smell when they are threatened. They actually emit a small amount of their reddish colored blood in the hopes that the smell will deter any potential predator. Ladybugs come in a variety of colors. Most recognizable is the red ladybug, but they come in different shades of red and yellow.

In the cooler fall months ladybugs search for a warm and moist place to hibernate for the winter months. This is when they can become an issue. They get in to your attic or home and are often found in the corners of windows, rooms and rafters in a big pig pile. Then, in the spring when the sun starts to shine in through the windows and the temperature in your house increases, their internal clock wakes them up from their winter slumber and they start to fly around looking for a meal. They really are just trying to find their way outside again. You can vacuum them up, but take care not to squish them because their colored and stinky blood can leave stains. You could vacuum them up with a shop-vac type vacuum and then take it outside and release them to do their natural thing, eat Aphids!

While it may seem cute, sweet and lucky to have a few ladybugs crawling around your house, it can turn a bit creepy when there are loads of them lurking around. Try to remember that albeit a bit creepy, they can’t bite you or hurt you, they are just in the wrong place. Preventing them from entering your home is the best way to keep them out. Here are a few easy to do tips to help keep these lucky ladies outside:

• Seal all cracks and crevices in basement and foundation walls

• Repair or replace insect screening in all exterior openings (windows, doors, vents etc.)

• Caulk and seal around all utility entrances

• Repair or replace window and door weatherstripping

Frank Sinatra told us that luck may be a lady, but hundreds of lucky ladybugs overwintering in your house may not make you feel so lucky when they wake up and start flying around your house!