Color: Red, orange, yellow, brown or shiny black in color usually with various markings including dark spots
Legs: 6
Shape: Broadly oval to nearly round
Size: 1/31 – 3/8” (0.8 – 10 mm)
Antennae: Yes
Region: All
Ladybugs are also known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles. Most species of this beetle family are highly beneficial insects, but some have a habit of overwintering in structures, leading them to become nuisance pests. Ladybugs are found worldwide with about 475 species located in the United States and Canada.
Many ladybug species are considered important beneficial insects because they voraciously consume plant-eating insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, mites, and scale insects, which harm crops and plants in gardens. However, a few ladybugs are destructive and feed on plants, such as the Mexican bean beetle and the squash beetle.
Most ladybug species do not pose a health threat to humans. However, the multi-colored Asian lady beetle is known to aggravate asthma and cause allergic reactions in some people, a strong reason for ladybug pest control. In addition, they exude a viscous yellow, foul-smelling defensive fluid that may stain whatever it contacts.
During the spring and summer months, ladybug populations typically grow because the seasons favor tender foliage and aphid infestations. In the autumn, adults seek protected places to overwinter including under leaves, rocks and landscape timbers. Other ladybug species are known to inhabit structures such as buildings and homes.
The most effective way to get rid of ladybugs or prevent them from entering homes and buildings is to seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia and other openings. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. Damaged screens on doors and windows should be repaired or replaced. If ladybugs have already entered a home or building, a vacuum cleaner can aid in their removal. If an infestation has developed inside a home or building, a licensed ladybug pest control operator should be called to evaluate and assess the problem.
Ladybugs are carnivorous and mostly eat soft-bodied insects, with a particular preference for aphids. They will sometimes consume nectar and sweet plant secretions. Some species of ladybugs also feed on plants.
Ladybugs are attracted to areas with lots of foliage, as they provide an abundance of food sources. They may also be attracted by the prospect of shelter in cooler months.
In the spring and summer, ladybugs are busy hunting plant-eating insects like aphids and mites. They will also reproduce in the same environments as their food sources. In autumn and winter, ladybugs are most likely hibernating in dark and sheltered habitats.