The Ladybugs Are Back: Why You Shouldn’t Kill ‘Em
While working in my home office, I noticed the cats staring, following, and batting at something. Looking closer, I saw they were playing with the new crop of ladybugs that came into the house.
It's been said that ladybugs in the house bring good luck, so who am I to quibble? They are welcome as long as their population doesn't get too out of hand.
Ladybugs are mostly red but can be orange or black, with spots or not.
Ladybug larvae is weird – they resemble the shape of an an alligator with tiny spikes.
So what are they good for?
Why should we let them live in our homes?
They eat aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and the eggs of other insects. One ladybug can eat thousands of aphids during its lifetime, which is up to two years.
Every Fall, ladybugs gather under rocks or anything else to protect them from the upcoming winter. When they get into your house, it's advised to let them be, since they can rid your home of those micro-pests that we can't even see.
If you don't like ladybugs in the house, don't squish 'em or zap 'em with insecticide. Gather them up and pitch them outside, or suck 'em up in the vacuum cleaner.
I do notice something about ladybugs, though. When they get into the house, they will be seen for a number of days – maybe a week or less – and then disappear. Where do they go? Sure, the cats may eat some of them, but the rest are hibernating.
Ladybugs in Michigan
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