It's interesting how different things are from year to year. Last year we had so many acorns that they covered the ground two inches deep under all the oak trees. This year we have hardly any. I like this year better, since our deck is shaded by oak trees.
We've had invasions of Asian ladybugs every year since we've been out here, but this year is crazy. A few days ago they swarmed, filling the air everywhere I looked, covering the wall on the east side of the house, and landing all over me as I worked outdoors. They somehow get into our master bathroom in the southeast corner of the house. Dozens of them. I'm sure some hitchhike on my back when I come in from outside, but most probably squeeze through tiny gaps in doors and windows.
I had a hard time trying to photograph the little buggers, since they wouldn't hold still and I was using my iPhone for a camera.
I used a small jar to catch a dozen or so of the creatures. They're easy. When the lip of the jar touches them, they tuck their legs and fall into the jar. Keeping them in the jar is a little tricky. Once I had caught all I could reach, I took them out and released them inside the greenhouse.
Asian ladybugs were introduced to help control aphids, but like all introduced organisms, they proliferated and can be a nuisance. Besides crawling into walls, attics and living spaces, Asian ladybugs bite. These bugs can be a real mess and can cause allergic reactions in humans. They are just generally hazardous to your health. DO NOT SWAT THEM! These little insects can give off nasty secretions as a defensive measure and they can stain walls and furniture, and they smell really bad.
The best way to deal with ladybugs in the house is with a vacuum cleaner. Carefully suck up all the bugs you see. This next part is important: take the vacuum cleaner outside and empty it immediately! Be sure to get them all out or they will find their way back to your walls and windows.
If you have a mild reaction to their bites, I suggest treating them like you would mosquito bites. If you have a serious reaction Seek Medical Help. I'm not qualified to give any kind of medical advice, but I will say, the sooner you get rid of your Asian ladybug roommates, the better.
Stephen
We've had invasions of Asian ladybugs every year since we've been out here, but this year is crazy. A few days ago they swarmed, filling the air everywhere I looked, covering the wall on the east side of the house, and landing all over me as I worked outdoors. They somehow get into our master bathroom in the southeast corner of the house. Dozens of them. I'm sure some hitchhike on my back when I come in from outside, but most probably squeeze through tiny gaps in doors and windows.
I used a small jar to catch a dozen or so of the creatures. They're easy. When the lip of the jar touches them, they tuck their legs and fall into the jar. Keeping them in the jar is a little tricky. Once I had caught all I could reach, I took them out and released them inside the greenhouse.
Asian ladybugs were introduced to help control aphids, but like all introduced organisms, they proliferated and can be a nuisance. Besides crawling into walls, attics and living spaces, Asian ladybugs bite. These bugs can be a real mess and can cause allergic reactions in humans. They are just generally hazardous to your health. DO NOT SWAT THEM! These little insects can give off nasty secretions as a defensive measure and they can stain walls and furniture, and they smell really bad.
The best way to deal with ladybugs in the house is with a vacuum cleaner. Carefully suck up all the bugs you see. This next part is important: take the vacuum cleaner outside and empty it immediately! Be sure to get them all out or they will find their way back to your walls and windows.
If you have a mild reaction to their bites, I suggest treating them like you would mosquito bites. If you have a serious reaction Seek Medical Help. I'm not qualified to give any kind of medical advice, but I will say, the sooner you get rid of your Asian ladybug roommates, the better.
Stephen
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