Why Ladybugs Congregate on Light Colored Homes

What Draws Asian Lady Beetles to Homes in Andover, NH?

Asian lady beetles in Andover are regularly confused with native ladybugs. Asian lady beetles are native to Eastern Asia but have been introduced as a form of natural pest control. Unfortunately, Asian lady beetles can quickly multiply and lead to an infestation that is difficult to eradicate. During the cooler months, they become drawn to the light sides of homes where warmth and the sun radiate heat. In their native habitats, Asian lady beetles flock to limestone cliffs to overwinter, and in Andover, light-colored homes mirror that natural instinct. 

Once Asian lady beetles have gathered on light homes, they are drawn to south-facing areas where the heat from the sun has lingered longest. Because Asian lady beetles are cold-blooded, these areas provide the right temperature to help them avoid a sudden temperature drop. Additionally, once early arrivers have found a notable area, they release an aggregation pheromone to attract other nearby Asian lady beetles. Once they have found a space along the side of a home, Asian lady beetles will seek out small gaps and cracks that will allow them to enter homes and overwinter within wall voids. 

Many Andover residents will notice another spike of Asian lady beetle activity in the spring. During the cooler months, Asian lady beetles enter a state of hibernation known as diapause, but are awakened once temperatures rise and the sunlight signals that it is time to feed and reproduce. This leads to a sudden increase in Asian lady beetles within homes during the spring months.

Address Asian Lady Beetle Activity at Your Andover Home

If you’re noticing the presence of Asian lady beetles within your home in Andover, there are a few steps you can take to reduce and repel their presence. For proactive measures, seal points of entry around your home. They are able to squeeze through window openings, underneath door sweeps, through bent or torn window mesh, and through attic spaces. Use caulk and sealants to seal areas around your Andover home that don’t require regular entry or exit. For prominently used doors, consider using treatments such as diatomaceous earth and botanical oil sprays which repel Asian lady beetles. 

For Asian lady beetles that are already indoors, it’s best to vacuum them up instead of squeezing or squishing them. Asian lady beetles emit an intense odor when smashed and also leave orange stains behind. Using a vacuum such as a shop vac or a handheld vacuum cleaner helps you to remove their presence without damaging or staining your home. It’s essential to use a designated vacuum cleaner for this, as they could leave behind stains and residue that can ruin the vacuum filter. Because Asian lady beetles will attempt to crawl out, it’s important to quickly move them outdoors.

Professional Asian Lady Beetle Control Services in Andover

Our Andover team at Mosquito Squad Plus is here to help you reduce the presence of Asian lady beetles before they overwinter within your home. Home Shield helps to proactively defend your home against Asian lady beetle infestations. Early intervention will help to seal entry points and create a perimeter through barrier treatments to repel Asian lady beetles before they enter. Because early intervention is essential, it’s important to schedule a consultation and inspection to get ahead of areas where Asian lady beetles may enter during the months before winter comes. 

For Reliable Asian Lady Beetle Control in Andover, NH Near You

Preparing for the Asian lady beetle season in Andover? Call Mosquito Squad Plus of New Hampshire Lakes at (603) 202-4819 or contact us online for a free quote.