🐞 How to Get Rid of Ladybugs 🐞

 

 

 🐞 Introduction - All About Getting Rid of Ladybugs 🐞

 

Ladybugs, also called ladybirds or lady beetles 🐞, are small, oval-shaped insects that are most often a bright red-orange color with small black spots. They are a very common pest that tends to swarm in large numbers, especially during the fall months as they search for warm places to spend the winter. Though ladybugs are seen as a beneficial insect in gardens since they prey on plant pests like aphids, their presence inside the home is undesirable. When they invade in large numbers, ladybugs can stain surfaces, emit a foul odor, and bite humans. So if you have a ladybug infestation in your home, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of ladybugs and prevent future invasions.

 

Seeing a few ladybugs here and there in your home occasionally is normal. But an infestation of hundreds or thousands of ladybugs gathering on walls, windows, and other surfaces is problematic. Large seasonal swarms of ladybugs in the fall is also very common in some regions. So what is the best way to get rid of ladybugs in your house and make sure they don't come back again next year?

 

There are a variety of natural, chemical-free options to safely remove ladybugs as well as chemical sprays and pesticides that are stronger for severe infestations. With a combination approach of killing and removing current ladybugs while taking preventative measures to block future entryways, you can successfully kick ladybugs out of your house for good.

 

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn:

 

- Effective DIY methods and home remedies for getting rid of ladybugs

- The best chemical sprays and professional treatment options

- Tips for identifying and sealing ladybug entry points 

- Strategies for making your home unattractive to ladybugs

- When it's time to call for professional pest control help

- And much more!

 

Follow the tips outlined in this article to rid your house of pesky ladybugs and prevent recurring seasonal swarms. With persistence and consistency using both removal and prevention techniques, you can safely and humanely send these uninvited guests packing!

 

 Vacuum Them Up 🐞

 

One of the easiest and most effective ways to quickly get rid of ladybugs inside your home is by vacuuming them up. A strong handheld or portable vacuum with a hose attachment is ideal to suck up any ladybugs crawling on walls, windows, curtains, furniture, ceilings and other surfaces.

 

Aim the vacuum nozzle directly at any ladybugs you spot and capture them. Move slowly and methodically around each room to cover all areas, especially corners, windows and entryways where the bugs may be congregating. Double check under furniture, behind pictures frames, around light fixtures, on fabrics, and under appliance edges for hiding ladybugs.

 

To get ladybugs off high walls or ceilings, use a vacuum wand extension. The powerful suction will instantly remove them from surfaces without having to climb up or use a ladder. Vacuuming works very well for light infestations and is safe for use around children and pets when needed.

 

When you’re finished vacuuming up all visible ladybugs, immediately empty the vacuum contents into an outdoor garbage can. Secure the trash bag tightly so that the captured live ladybugs don’t escape back into your home. Keep vacuuming daily until no more ladybugs are present indoors.

 

The main benefit of vacuuming ladybugs is that it allows for quick removal without having to use insecticides or chemicals while they are inside your living space. It takes advantage of the ladybugs’ slow movements and lack of flight when ambient temperatures are cool. Just be sure to empty the vacuum chamber outdoors often so the ladybugs don’t survive and come crawling back out.

 

Some tips for effective ladybug vacuuming include:

 

- Use a cordless vacuum for easier maneuverability around furniture. Or use a vacuum with a long hose.

 

- Verify the vacuum head makes a tight seal on surfaces so the suction is optimized.

 

- Cover vacuum nozzle with pantyhose secured with a rubber band to prevent any ladybugs from flying up into vacuum interior.

 

- Pass the vacuum nozzle slowly over surfaces to give ladybugs time to get sucked in.

 

- Concentrate on corners, window frames, drapes, and ceiling edges where ladybugs congregate.

 

- Empty vacuum contents into outside garbage bin after each room or sealed bag for safety.

 

With persistent, thorough vacuuming throughout the house, this method can help diminish a light ladybug infestation. But for severe seasonal swarms, vacuuming alone may not be enough. Continue reading for additional tips for getting rid of ladybugs.

 

 Use Essential Oils

 

Certain strong essential oils can help deter and drive away ladybugs when applied strategically in and around your home.

 

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from aromatic plants like flowers, herbs, spices and citrus fruits that retain the plant's characteristic scent or "essence". Many essential oils have insect repelling properties that can be used to ward off pests like ladybugs without the need for harsh chemicals.

 

Some of the best essential oils to repel ladybugs include:

 

- Peppermint oil - The strong menthol scent of peppermint oil confuses ladybugs’ sense of smell and tastes unpleasant, causing them to avoid treated areas.

 

- Eucalyptus oil – This common essential oil has an intense medicinal aroma that overwhelms ladybugs’ olfactory system, making them unable to detect food sources or each other. 

 

- Lemongrass oil – The citrusy, lemon smell of lemongrass oil masks scent trails ladybugs use to follow each other indoors. It interferes with their chemical communication.

 

- Clove oil – Clove oil has a spicy, powerful fragrance derived from clove tree buds. Its robust odor repels ladybugs away.

 

- Tea tree oil - With its intense camphor-like aroma, tea tree oil confuses ladybugs’ ability to pick up on scents that attract them.

 

- Citronella oil – This lemony oil provides a strong smell barrier that causes ladybugs to avoid treated areas on their way inside.

 

- Lavender oil – The flowery perfume of lavender oil masks pheromones ladybugs give off to signal each other to congregate.

 

To use essential oils as a ladybug repellent:

 

- Add 8-10 drops of your chosen essential oil (or a blend) into a spray bottle filled with water. Shake well to disperse the oil.

 

- Lightly mist the essential oil spray around possible indoor entry points like windows, doors, vents, pipes, gaps, and ceilings where you’ve spotted ladybugs coming inside.

 

- Also spray along the exterior of entryways such as around door and window frames. The smell will deter ladybugs from entering.

 

- Reapply the essential oil spray 2-3 times per day to maintain the repellent effects. The aroma dissipates over time.

 

- Place a few drops of oil directly on cotton balls or cloths and leave near entryways or problem areas to keep spreading the scent.

 

- For outdoor coverage, add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a 1⁄4 cup of water or witch hazel in a garden sprayer and mist plants, soil, and dark, secluded areas ladybugs may hide.

 

Using essential oils is a safe, natural way to keep ladybugs at bay both indoors and out. Just be sure to do a small skin test first before widespread use to check for any sensitivities or allergic reactions. Proper dilution is also important, so stick to just a few drops per ounce of water and avoid direct skin contact.

 

With regular reapplication of these strongly scented oils where ladybugs enter and gather, the repellent effects can help reduce their numbers over time and prevent more from invading season after season.

 

 Seal Cracks and Crevices

 

One of the most important and effective steps for preventing ladybugs from entering your home is to thoroughly seal up any exterior cracks, crevices, gaps or holes they can squeeze through.

 

Ladybugs are small insects, measuring just 3-10mm long at maturity. This means they can fit into very tiny spaces, far smaller than what mice or many other pests can access. Stopping up these potential entryways is key to locking the bugs outside where they belong.

 

Some common ladybug entry points to inspect and seal include:

 

- Around windows – Caulk or seal any separating cracks where the window frame meets the siding. Cover openings where AC units and pipes go through the wall.

 

- Around doors – Fill gaps between the door and frame, threshold, sides, top corners and molding with silicone caulk. Install weatherstripping for a tight seal.

 

- Foundation – Seal any visible cracks or holes in the foundation, siding, stucco, brick or cinderblocks.

 

- Roof and eaves – Plug openings around roof flashing, vents, soffits overhangs and fascia boards.

 

- Utility lines – Caulk around outdoor wires, cables, pipes and conduits where they meet the house exterior.

 

- Vents and fans – Cover all vent grates with a fine stainless steel mesh to allow airflow while keeping ladybugs out.

 

- Chimneys – Seal any gaps around the chimney bricks and flashing. Install a chimney cap.

 

- Garages and sheds – Close crevices where the structures abut the house and doorways.

 

In addition to cracks, pay close attention to areas where different building materials meet such as corners, joints between siding and trim, or spaces under window sills where water damage can cause separation and gaps that ladybugs can enter through.

 

Use the appropriate sealant materials for the surface such as clear silicone or acrylic latex caulk for cracks, copper mesh for larger holes, spray foam for bigger gaps, or weatherstripping and sweeps for doors. For temporary sealing, you can stuff cracks with steel wool until a permanent sealant can be applied.

 

Sealing off all possible ladybug entryways will help block them from infiltrating into wall voids, attics and living spaces. Be diligent about sealing even tiny cracks since ladybugs only need the width of a credit card to sneak inside. Done thoroughly, sealing the exterior can help prevent infestations year after year.

 

 Use Light Traps

 

For heavy ladybug infestations already inside the home, light traps can be an effective tool to attract and capture the swarms so they can be disposed of.

 

Light traps take advantage of ladybugs’ natural attraction to light sources. The devices mimic lighting conditions that ladybugs navigate towards, drawing them in. Once near the trap, powerful vacuums or sticky adhesives capture and contain the ladybugs for easy removal.

 

There are a variety of light trap designs for different settings:

 

- UV light traps – These traps use ultraviolet bulbs that are highly attractive to flying insects. Fans or vacuums pull ladybugs towards the UV light and into a holding container or bag.

 

- LED light traps – LED bulbs save energy while still emitting wavelengths that appeal to ladybugs. Adhesive boards or electric grids catch them when they fly to the lights.

 

- Black light traps – The glow of black light bulbs draws in ladybugs but prevents illumination of living spaces, making these traps discrete for overnight use indoors.

 

- Tube traps – Long tube traps extend from lighted indoor areas out through windows and emit guided light that ladybugs follow into a catch bag, keeping them separate from your home.

 

- Bucket traps – Simple bucket traps contain lights over water, oil or soapy water where ladybugs become trapped and drown once they fall inside, drawn by the glow.

 

For best results, place light traps:

 

- Near ladybug entryways and migration routes to intercept them before they spread deeper into your home.

 

- Along walls, counters, or mounted from ceilings where traps are at adult flying height range.

 

- Away from competing exterior lights like porch lights that may dilute the traps’ attracting power.

 

- Away from windows, doors or drafts that could deter ladybugs from entering the traps.

 

- In attics, garages, basements and crawl spaces where ladybugs may be roosting.

 

Check the light traps daily to empty out the catch bag or dispose of contained ladybugs so the traps remain effective. Combing light traps with preventative sealing of entry points provides a dual approach to eliminating current infestations and reducing future seasonal ladybug problems.

 

 Remove Food Sources

 

To discourage ladybugs from congregating and remaining around your home, thoroughly eliminate any potential food sources that could be attracting and sustaining them.

 

Ladybugs feed on other soft-bodied insects like mites, aphids and scale insects which they hunt on plants. They also consume plant nectar, sap, fungi and decaying matter as food sources.

 

By removing access to these feeding opportunities around your home’s exterior, you can help starve out ladybug populations so they have no reason to stick around.

 

Some strategies to cut off food supply lines include:

 

- Inspect houseplants closely and treat any visible aphids, scale, mites or mealybugs with horticultural soaps, neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Isolate heavily infested plants outdoors until pests are gone.

 

- Remove fallen, rotting fruit from fruit trees that could harbor sap, fungi or other ladybug food. Prune trees to open dense branches and discourage pests.

 

- Clear away piled leaves, organic debris and decaying wood around the foundation that ladybugs may feed on.

 

- Cut back ivy, shrubs and vegetation touching exterior walls that could harbor aphids. Ladybugs prey on plants pests.

 

- Rake up fallen flower petals, pollen and organic matter where ladybugs may find food.

 

- Remove pet food, compost piles and garbage cans away from the exterior house walls so ladybugs aren’t attracted to odors.

 

- Fix any leaks or dripping pipes that collect moisture and allow mold or fungi to grow – a food source for ladybugs.

 

- Change outdoor lighting to yellow bulbs which attract fewer night-flying insects that ladybugs consume.

 

- Apply row covers to vegetable gardens susceptible to aphids until pests are under control. Remove hiding spots.

 

- Use aphid-control botanical sprays on plants around the foundation to eliminate one of ladybugs' choice prey.

 

By depriving ladybugs of access to key food sources, they will seek more appealing locations with greater abundance of prey. Removing food deprives ladybugs of the fuel they need to thrive near your home.

 

 Use Fans

 

Using fans is an easy, cost-effective method for discouraging ladybugs from entering your home. Fans help create strong enough airflow and wind currents to prevent ladybugs from being able to land on surfaces or fly through open doors and windows.

 

Station powerful floor, window or box fans facing outward across potential ladybug entryways such as:

 

- Near open doors – Position medium speed fan about 2 feet behind the exterior side of doorways to cover the opening with a blanket of wind. Ladybugs won’t be able to fly inside against the airstream. Close the door gently behind you when entering to avoid trapping ladybugs indoors.

 

- Across window openings – Aim window fans to blow air outwards which pushes incoming ladybugs back outside if they try to fly through. Cover the exterior fan opening with mesh to prevent escapes.

 

- Adjacent to vents and pipes – Set up small desktop fans nearby exterior vents to redirect ladybugs away using the airflow. Cover fan grates as well to contain any insects.

 

- Along siding and foundation – Arrange several floor fans placed intermittently around the house perimeter blowing air away from the structure to disrupt ladybugs from landing on surfaces en route to entryways.

 

- Under upper floor eaves – Mount box fans along the eaves overhangs to produce strong currents of outward blowing air that prevent ladybugs from congregating on the roofline or upper walls.

 

Run fans continuously during ladybug prime activity times such as overnight, early morning, and early evening hours when they are most active and apt to invade.

 

Even at low or medium speeds, fans significantly hinder ladybugs’ ability to maneuver through the moving air currents. The buffeting forces them to find calmer areas away from your home to land and gather instead. Fans work best as a preventative tool and supplemental deterrent used along with other methods like sealing cracks, removing food sources and deploying light traps to capture ladybugs.

 

 Insecticides

 

For heavy seasonal infestations of ladybugs where preventative measures have failed, the use of insecticides is an option to quickly kill large numbers of ladybugs that have already invaded your home.

 

Insecticides are chemical substances designed to kill or deter insects through various formulations applied directly where pests are located. When dealing with a major ladybug swarm, insecticidal sprays or dusts can help exterminate the influx and provide immediate relief while you identify and seal their entryways.

 

Some of the most effective active ingredients in over-the-counter insecticides for ladybugs include:

 

- Pyrethrins – Naturally derived from chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrins attack ladybugs’ nervous system upon contact. Often combined with piperonyl butoxide.

 

- Pyrethroids - Synthetic pyrethroids like permethrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin or lambda-cyhalothrin disrupt sodium channels in ladybugs’ cells, causing paralysis and death.

 

- Diatomaceous earth – The sharp silica particles in diatomaceous earth abrade ladybugs’ exoskeletons and cause fatal dehydration upon contact. The powder can provide residual effects.

 

- Neonicotinoids - Neonicotinoid chemicals like imidacloprid interfere with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in ladybugs’ nervous systems leading to death. Systemic versions transfer through plants.

 

- Insecticidal soaps - Soap-based solutions like potassium laurate penetrate the shell of ladybugs and damage cell membranes, providing rapid knockdown.

 

- Botanical oils - Horticultural oils and neem oil coat ladybugs and obstruct natural bodily functions like breathing and movement. Repeated applications are needed.

 

- Microbials - Bacteria-based insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad release toxins that compromise ladybugs’ digestive lining when ingested, though limited residual effect.

 

When using insecticidal products:

 

- Carefully read and follow all label instructions for the appropriate formulation and application method. Use as directed.

 

- Select products labeled for indoor use and approved for use around pets and humans when needed for occupied spaces.

 

- Use sprays and concentrated surface treatments only in small, confined areas and ventilate afterwards. Limit exposure.

 

- Apply dusts into wall voids, cracks and crevices where ladybugs may hide. The residual powder remains effective after application.

 

- Use water-based, ready-to-use sprays around sensitive surfaces like plants. Spot treat if possible.

 

- Combine insecticides with other methods like vacuuming and sealing entry points for most effective and lasting control.

 

While insecticides quickly knock down adult ladybug populations, continued vigilance is key to prevent future recurring infestations once warmer weather returns. Always follow label directions closely and integrate chemical treatments with preventative exclusion techniques for best results.

 

 Repellents

 

Ladybug repellents create unpleasant residues that deter ladybugs from landing or crawling on treated surfaces. They provide a first line of defense against ladybugs entering a structure without killing them.

 

There are a range of ladybug repellent products that contain various irritating active ingredients including:

 

- Diatomaceous earth – The abrasive silica dust damages ladybugs’ exoskeleton and causes dehydration upon contact. The sharp powder can be lightly dusted along baseboards, window sills and potential entry points.

 

- Silica aerogel - Nanoparticle silicon dioxide repellents like trimethylsilanol coat surfaces with a dust-like gel that makes it impossible for ladybugs to cling to the treated area. Provides some residual activity.

 

- Castor oil - Highly refined castor oil applied around entry areas makes it hard for ladybugs to traverse and sends them looking elsewhere to gain traction with their tarsal claws.

 

- Capsaicin & piperine - Extracts from chili peppers contain capsaicin and piperine compounds which strongly irritate ladybugs upon contact, forcing them to avoid treated zones.

 

- Sodium lauryl sulfate - A surfactant found in soaps and detergents, sodium lauryl sulfate disrupts the cuticle wax layer of ladybugs that protects them from desiccation. Direct contact repels them.

 

- Insecticidal dusts – Dusts containing boric acid, silica, diatomaceous earth or fossilized minerals abrade ladybugs’ exoskeleton, discourage landing on covered surfaces, and have some desiccant effect.

 

Key tips for using ladybug repellents:

 

- Focus application along probable entryways like windows, doors, weep holes, vents and gaps leading into the structure.

 

- Dust cracks and crevices lightly where ladybugs may enter and hide. Avoid inhaling dusts.

 

- Reapply liquid repellent barriers periodically as rain, irrigation and environmental exposure gradually degrade effectiveness over time.

 

- Test repellent compatibility on pavers, stucco, wood finishes and other sensitive surfaces first before widespread use to check for discoloration or damage.

 

- Combine repellent application with exclusion tactics like sealing cracks, installing screens and removing exterior light sources to drive ladybugs away entirely.

 

Though not a standalone solution, applying repellents strategically around probable ladybug entryways can help deter initial infestations, or at minimum force them to find alternative less desirable pathways into a home. Repellents work best when integrated with other population reduction methods.

 

 Growth Regulators

 

Another chemical control option for handling serious seasonal ladybug infestations is applying insect growth regulators (IGRs) outside around the home’s perimeter.

 

IGRs work by disrupting ladybug’s lifecycle through one of two mechanisms:

 

- Juvenile hormone analogs – These chemicals like methoprene and hydroprene artificially maintain high levels of juvenile hormones in ladybugs. This prevents them from maturing into reproductive adults.

 

- Chitin synthesis inhibitors – IGRs like novaluron obstruct formation of the chitin exoskeleton, causing ladybugs to die during molting stages.

 

Both IGR methods target ladybugs during immature stages rather than killing adult bugs directly. But this allows for an ongoing, cumulative effect by gradually decreasing the number of ladybugs that can reach maturity and multiply around the home over time.

 

Some application tips when using IGRs for ladybug control:

 

- Apply at the start of warmer seasons in early spring before ladybug populations start ramping up in number. This allows time for IGRs to take effect.

 

- Treat areas where ladybugs may congregate and lay eggs like under siding, roof eaves, attics, garages, soil, lush vegetation, exterior walls, etc.

 

- Liquid concentrates can be mixed with water and applied with a pump sprayer or hose-end attachment around the home’s perimeter.

 

- Dust formulations blown into voids and protected locations provide longer residual management as temperatures warm up.

 

- Read labels carefully as some IGRs are designed for use outdoors only while others can be applied indoors in places like attics, basements, etc. to reach hidden ladybugs.

 

- Reapply every 4-8 weeks according to label directions to maintain adequate IGR concentrations for uninterrupted control on successive ladybug generations.

 

- Rotate IGR types each season to prevent ladybugs from developing resistance to any single chemical class of growth regulators over time.

 

Combining IGRs with traps, insecticides, and sealing will provide the best results for long term ladybug elimination around homes plagued by seasonal infestations. IGRs target ladybugs early in vulnerable growth phases and can provide lasting population reduction when applied properly at strategic times. Consult a pest management professional for help creating an annual treatment regimen targeting each ladybug life stage.

 

 Seal Entry Points

 

Sealing up all possible exterior entry points that ladybugs can use to infiltrate your home is a critical part of prevention. Stopping them from getting inside in the first place is the ultimate goal.

 

The key times to be vigilant about meticulously sealing cracks and crevices are:

 

Fall - Starting in early autumn, ladybugs begin seeking warm overwintering locations and start moving en masse toward buildings and structures that provide shelter. Thoroughly inspect and plug openings before seasonal swarm activity intensifies. Concentrate on upper levels where ladybugs often aggregate under roof eaves and attics.

 

Winter – Though less active in cold temperatures, ladybugs will still locate and utilize overlooked cracks and gaps to enter voids. Prevent stragglers from sneaking inside by sealing hibernation spot pathways during winter months.

 

Spring - As temperatures warm again in spring, proactively seal up any new gaps that have developed over winter months before ladybugs emerge and become active. Stop them before infestations start.

 

Summer – While hot summer months won’t see massive ladybug swarms, populations build and peak at this time. Eliminate secondary entryways they could use to escape heat and find food while breeding. Trapping them outside restricts later fall swarm sizes.

 

In addition to the timing, make sure to thoroughly seal the following candidate access points:

 

- Around windows, doors, pipes, wires, vents, ducts, gaps in siding or stucco, weep holes, etc. Concentrate on exterior edges abutting different materials where separation occurs.

 

- The foundation perimeter at ground level where cracks from shifting soil are common. Check brick/stone edging for gaps.

 

- Attics and roof eaves where ladybugs often first land and aggregate before entering living spaces below.

 

- Around window AC units, exterior outlets, lights, hose bibs, dryer vents and other additions that penetrate exterior walls, creating openings.

 

- Garage doors, garage door frames, and inside garages where ladybugs may gather as they follow perimeter walls seeking entryways.

 

- Sheds, barns, and other outbuildings where ladybugs hide out and breed during warmer months, serving as staging zones.

 

With diligence and persistence, sealing off access routes can deprive ladybugs of entry points and significantly reduce the number of invaders over time. Combine sealing with other deterrents for best prevention.

 

 Keep Surfaces Clean

 

Ladybugs are attracted to pheromones and scent markers left behind by other ladybugs in areas they previously occupied. Thorough cleaning helps remove these chemical cues and makes surfaces less appealing.

 

Focus cleaning on:

 

Entry points – Routinely wash window frames, door jambs, light fixtures, vents and pipes where ladybugs enter using soap and water to eliminate traces. Remove stains or secretions.

 

Corner gathering sites – Ladybugs congregate in corners and wall/ceiling junctions. Use a vacuum and soap solution to eliminate odors that could attract others.

 

Roofs and attics – Pressure wash or scrub roof eaves, gables, vents and attic interiors where ladybugs often initially invade before heading downward into living spaces.

 

Walls and light fixtures – Clean ladybug gathering spots like curtains, wallpaper, picture frames, upper walls and lights to remove sticky residues and contaminants left behind.

 

Ceilings and corners – Use a ceiling fan duster on a pole to remove ladybugs, webs and debris from high ceilings and corners that you can’t reach by hand.

 

Floors – Sweep and mop hard flooring then scrub with diluted bleach solution to destroy pheromones in areas where ladybugs were removed. Vacuum and steam clean carpets for the same purpose.

 

Outdoor surfaces – Use a hose and stiff broom to remove ladybug waste, secretions and dead ladybugs piled up at outdoor congregation areas around windows, vents, light fixtures, gardens and sidewalks where they try to enter.

 

Consistent cleaning removes the ladybug traces that signal ideal gathering spots for future ladybugs to home in on. Dirty surfaces invite ladybugs back repeatedly unless their markers are regularly eliminated. Stop the cycle through improved cleaning habits inside and out.

 

 Remove Food and Water Sources

 

Eliminating access to food and water sources around the exterior of your home helps prevent recurring ladybug issues. Hungry ladybugs are more likely to move on in search of more plentiful forage.

 

Remove food availability by:

 

- Using row covers on garden plants vulnerable to aphids until pests are under control. Weed thoroughly.

 

- Cleaning up fallen, rotting fruit from trees and produce plants. Remove tree sap, prune branches, and eliminate plant diseases.

 

- Changing outdoor lights to yellow bulbs that attract fewer night-flying prey insects ladybugs pursue.

 

- Sealing trash bins and moving compost piles/debris piles away from house. Eliminate decay odors ladybugs seek out.

 

- Cutting back vegetation touching exterior walls that may harbor ladybug prey. Keep plants trimmed away.

 

- Removing pet food bowls, exterior feeders and nectar sources after use at night when ladybugs are most active and hungry.

 

Prevent water access by:

 

- Fixing dripping exterior faucets, seals, pipes and leaks that create puddles and moist areas where ladybugs drink.

 

- Routinely dumping and drying any planters, buckets or vessels that collect rainwater where ladybugs can drink.

 

- Redirecting rain gutter downspouts and runoff away from the foundation perimeter where ladybugs congregate.

 

- Leveling soils and drainage around the home to prevent pooling against the exterior walls after rains.

 

- Adjusting irrigation sprinkler heads to minimize overspray on the exterior walls where moisture attracts ladybugs.

 

- Promptly drying out any wet spots, standing water or excess moisture near entry points like windows and doors where ladybugs seek access.

 

Removing sustenance forces ladybugs to look elsewhere to meet their dietary needs, reversing the appeal of your home and garden for food and water. Ladybugs will move on rather than set up camp long term around an inhospitable house.

 

 Use Repellent Plants

 

Certain plants contain strong scents, oils and substances that naturally repel ladybugs. Planting these around vulnerable areas of your home’s exterior can create a barrier that helps deter ladybugs from entering while beautifying the landscape.

 

Some of the top plants with ladybug repelling properties include:

 

- Mint – Peppermint, spearmint and other mint plants contain menthol oil which ladybugs avoid. Mint repels many insect pests.

 

- Lavender – The strong fragrance from lavender flowers and foliage deters ladybugs from gathering nearby. Interplant with other plants.

 

- Catnip – The nepetalactone compound in catnip leaves irritates and confuses ladybugs with its potent, minty smell.

 

- Garlic & chives – Pungent garlic bulbs and chives contain sulfur compounds that naturally repel ladybugs. Interplant liberally around susceptible areas.

 

- Petunias – Brightly colored petunias help mask the scent trails ladybugs use to navigate and find entryways.

 

- Marigolds – The bitter terpenes emitted by marigolds make surrounding areas unappealing to ladybugs and other garden pests.

 

- Parsley – This herb’s strong scent confuses ladybugs and makes it hard for them to follow pheromone trails accurately.

 

- Rosemary – Natural camphor, borneol and other volatile components in rosemary confuse ladybugs’ scent receptors.

 

Use these plants strategically around likely ladybug entry zones, placing them in flower beds, borders, window boxes, and containers by doors and vents. Crush leaves occasionally to release more oils. Over time, the strong aromas will help mask scent trails and steer ladybugs away from treated areas toward more favorable environments. Combine with other deterrents for best prevention.

 

 Call a Professional Exterminator

 

In cases of severe, recurring seasonal ladybug infestations, seeking professional pest management assistance may be required when do-it-yourself control measures are insufficient at eliminating the swarms.

 

There are several benefits to hiring a licensed pest control expert:

 

- Powerful insecticides – Exterminators have access to stronger commercial-grade insecticides, foggers and IGRs not available to consumers. These can reach ladybugs in cracks, voids and confined spaces.

 

- Precision application – Professionals have specialized spray equipment, power dusters and foaming application tools to deliver insecticides exactly where needed.

 

- Source identification – An expert can detect entry points, favorite gathering sites and conditions attracting ladybugs to your property for tailored solutions.

 

- Complete elimination – Combining interior and exterior treatments provides complete protection from current and future ladybug infestations. Professionals know when, where and how to target ladybugs at vulnerable points in their lifecycle depending on seasonality.

 

- Time saver – Hiring out ladybug removal and prevention frees up your schedule so you don’t have to handle the intensive demands of do-it-yourself control.

 

Schedule an inspection as ladybug activity first starts ramping up in early autumn before swarms peak. Discuss combination treatments, reentry intervals if interior application is needed and provide access to attics, basements and all infested areas. A professional-grade targeted treatment plan can successfully clear out even the worst ladybug infestations when DIY options fall short.

 

 FAQs About Getting Rid of Ladybugs:

 

 What are some natural ways to get rid of ladybugs?

 

Some safe, natural ways to get rid of ladybugs include vacuuming up the bugs, sealing cracks and entry points, using fans to blow them away, trapping them in light traps, and using strong essential oils as repellents. You can also remove food sources and use herbs and plants that repel ladybugs.

 

 How do I prevent ladybugs from coming inside my home?

 

To prevent ladybugs from entering your home, thoroughly seal any exterior cracks, holes, or gaps using caulk or weatherstripping. Eliminate nearby food sources and standing water. Install door sweeps on exterior doors. Use outdoor repellent sprays. Plant repellent herbs like lavender, chives, and mint around entry points.

 

 What chemicals kill ladybugs?

 

Insecticides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) are chemical products that can kill ladybugs. Insecticides like those containing pyrethrins, bifenthrin, or dinotefuran are effective when sprayed directly on ladybugs. IGRs disrupt the growth of ladybug larvae when applied outside.

 

 Are ladybugs harmful?

 

Ladybugs are not considered harmful to humans or pets, though some people may have an allergic reaction to them. They do not bite or sting. However, when present in large numbers, ladybugs can stain surfaces with their yellow blood, emit an unpleasant odor, and contaminate food sources.

 

 How do I get rid of ladybugs in my houseplants?

 

To remove ladybugs from houseplants, use a gentle stream of water to dislodge them or manually remove visible bugs by hand. Wipe leaves with soap and water using a soft cloth to remove scents. Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to the soil and foliage to kill ladybugs. Isolate infested plants.

 

 How do I keep ladybugs out of my house?

 

Seal any exterior cracks and openings to prevent entry. Install door sweeps and screen vents/windows. Remove food sources and standing water. Use fans by doors and windows. Apply essential oils or insect repellents around possible entryways. Use outdoor lights at night to attract them away from the home.

 

 What home remedy gets rid of ladybugs?

 

Vacuuming, essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus, and diatomaceous earth are safe, natural home remedies to get rid of ladybugs. Create traps using soapy water or a light source to attract and drown or capture the bugs. Use hairspray to kill ladybugs on contact while flying.

 

 Can I vacuum up ladybugs?

 

Yes, vacuuming is an effective way to remove ladybugs inside your home. Use a hose attachment to vacuum up any ladybugs on walls, windows, ceiling, and furniture. Immediately empty the vacuum contents into an outdoor garbage can and seal it tightly. This removes ladybugs without insecticides.

 

 How do you repel ladybugs naturally?

 

Use strong essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella or tea tree and apply near entryways as a natural repellent. Install screens on windows and vents. Seal cracks and crevices. Remove food sources and standing water. Plant herbs like lavender, chives, and mint around your home.

 

 What scent repels ladybugs?

 

Ladybugs strongly dislike the scent of mint, citrus, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, bay leaves, basil, and camphor. You can boil these herbs in water and apply near problem areas or entryways. Citronella candles or essential oils also repel ladybugs with their strong aroma.

 

 How do ladybugs get inside houses?

 

Ladybugs sneak inside homes through cracks and gaps around windows, doors, vents, pipes, wiring holes, openings in the foundation or siding, and under roof eaves. They are small enough to fit through very tiny spaces. Ladybugs may also cling to clothing or bags and get carried indoors inadvertently.

 

 Should I kill ladybugs in my house?

 

It's best not to kill ladybugs indoors if possible. Gently vacuum them up and release them outside unharmed. But for heavy infestations, insecticides or soapy water traps may be needed to eliminate large numbers that invade. Prevent more from entering by sealing cracks they use to get inside.

 

 Do ladybugs serve any purpose?

 

Yes, ladybugs are beneficial insects for gardens and agriculture. They feed on plant pests like aphids, mites and mealybugs that damage crops. Each ladybug can eat hundreds of pest insects per day. Their presence controls plant diseases and improves plant health naturally.

 

 How do you stop ladybugs from coming in the house?

 

To stop ladybugs entering your home, seal exterior cracks and openings with caulk/weatherstripping, install door sweeps, use insect repellents/essential oils around entries, eliminate food sources and lights that attract them, apply insecticides outside, and use fans around potential access points.

 

 What smells do ladybugs hate?

 

Ladybugs hate the smells of strong herbs like mint, lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, garlic, catnip, bay leaves, tea tree, coffee grounds, vinegar, basil, peppermint, camphor, and cedar. The strong aromas irritate ladybugs’ odor sensors and cause them to avoid those areas.