If you have “ladybugs” indoors, they are probably Asian lady beetles. Vacuum them up gently or sweep them into a container and release them outside, but don't crush or swat them, since that can cause them to release a smelly, staining fluid.
You keep finding “ladybugs” indoors, clustered on windows and walls. You might wonder whether this is a problem. It is, and it starts by understanding that the “ladybugs” are actually Asian lady beetles.
First, don’t crush them and don’t swat them. When threatened or smashed, they release a yellow fluid that stains light surfaces and smells bad, and squashing one against a wall leaves you with both at once. You can avoid this by removing them gently.
To get the beetles out, vacuum them up. To avoid stinking up the machine, slip a knee-high stocking over the nozzle and secure it with a rubber band so the beetles collect in the stocking instead of the vacuum, then release or dispose of them. A broom or a cup works too, just brush them gently into a container and carry them outside.
Whether to release or dispose comes down to the weather. In mild conditions, set them loose outside, since they’re beneficial in the garden.
Skip the indoor foggers and bug bombs for these. They don't work well on clustered overwintering beetles and leave residue behind, and dead beetles left in wall voids can attract other pests.
If you’re dealing with regular invasions of Asian lady beetles in the fall and winter, it’s best to seal entry points. Look around windows, doors, and utility lines first and patch up gaps with weather stripping or caulk. Likewise, check attic and gable vents, as well as where siding meets trim. Doing this in late summer is best since it means you will take action before they start migrating.
And if it's a heavy invasion every fall, hundreds showing up year after year, exclusion alone may not keep pace. An exterior perimeter treatment might be your best bet.
If you're tired of sweeping up the same lady beetles all winter, Mosquito Squad of Central New Hampshire can help. Mosquito Squad offers perimeter treatments that help keep them and other fall invaders out. These are applied by a trained technician alongside the barrier service that delivers up to 90% reduction in mosquito activity on a 21-day cycle.
