The Truth About Ladybugs

Let’s start with the basics: those yellow to orange ladybugs you might find marching around your home during this season aren’t your average ladybugs. They’re actually multicolored Asian lady beetles, often referred to as MALB, Asian lady bugs, and a handful of other names we won’t delve into, if you catch my drift!.

The MALB is not to be confused with our native ladybug species. MALB are an introduced species. See “An Entomological Look at the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (MALB)” here. Or read our blog titled “The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (MALB) for more info and pictures.

As the weather begins to warm, many homeowners notice these little pests popping up and feel inclined to take immediate action. We totally get the impulse and support it, but here’s the kicker: springtime control measures are already a bit too late.

Why is that, you ask? Well, the short answer is this: they’re not currently invading your home; they’ve actually been nestled in there since fall, biding their time through the winter. They’ve been cozy all winter long, just waiting for those warm days to make their appearance.

So, what does this mean for your battle plan? In short, launching control measures right now might not yield significant results, but there’s certainly hope for the fall. By that time, establishing a robust barrier and maintaining it consistently throughout the fall and winter can play a vital role in keeping those pests at bay. However, don’t get too enthusiastic; even these efforts can fall short. The main culprit? Those pesky cracks and crevices around your home that serve as entry points. These gaps allow the MALB to slip right in, bypassing the insecticide-treated surfaces.

So, what can you do? Recurring pest control is undeniably beneficial, but nothing beats exclusion! Yes, exclusion can be an investment, but it’s usually a one-time solution that pays off in the long run.

The good news? It’s good to have Four Seasons on your side! We specialize in exclusion, too! So don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll assess your property and uncover what’s really bugging you. And yes, we promise to tell you the whole truth about ladybugs… nothing but the truth!