Ladybugs

[Colettefc]

Is photina the source of the ladybug infestation in my house

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Photinia-red robin?

I would doubt it, there are lots of different ladybirds and most are predators on things like aphids, and I don't think of photinia as being particularly susceptible to aphids. They are probably coming in because it is Autumn and they are looking for somewhere to hibernate. A brush and dustpan is a good, gentle way of picking them up and putting them back outside.

 

[Colettefc]

Photinia-red robin?

I would doubt it, there are lots of different ladybirds and most are predators on things like aphids, and I don't think of photinia as being particularly susceptible to aphids. They are probably coming in because it is Autumn and they are looking for somewhere to hibernate. A brush and dustpan is a good, gentle way of picking them up and putting them back outside.

 

[Colettefc]

We never had them for twenty years in this house, so I am trying to figure out why they have suddenly invaded. The Photinia is quite close to the house. Or could it be the laurel hedge which is also nearby?

 

[Anniekay]

We never had them for twenty years in this house, so I am trying to figure out why they have suddenly invaded. The Photinia is quite close to the house. Or could it be the laurel hedge which is also nearby?

Like Oliver said, they come in to keep warm. I get them in my potting shed hiding behind boxes on the back wall. Not a thing to do with whatever plant is by your house.

 

[Colettefc]

Why didn’t they come in to the house in previous years. A house is not a potting shed. One landed on the kitchen table, so I have to cover food. I can’t put down the rugs on the floor I normally would in winter in case we walk on a ladybird. There were dozens of them inside on the windows and in the door opening. It’s not very pleasant. There must be some other explanation as to why they have arrived. Our neighbours don’t have them. The only thing I can think of is they must have come because of new plants in recent years. Does anyone else have an answer to this. I have sprayed with citronella oil, put cloves and bayleaves outside - this hasn’t worked.

 

[Chuck]

For the past 50 years or so I have had them invade my house 3 times. I have had stink bugs invade 4 times. I'll take lady bugs any day. And like everyone has said, they are just trying to stay warm, not a thing to do with any plants you have or where the plants are. And your close neighbors have them too, just in a place that isn't seen. They will soon hibernate and you won't see them until spring.

 

[Anniekay]

Why didn’t they come in to the house in previous years. A house is not a potting shed. One landed on the kitchen table, so I have to cover food. I can’t put down the rugs on the floor I normally would in winter in case we walk on a ladybird. There were dozens of them inside on the windows and in the door opening. It’s not very pleasant. There must be some other explanation as to why they have arrived. Our neighbours don’t have them. The only thing I can think of is they must have come because of new plants in recent years. Does anyone else have an answer to this. I have sprayed with citronella oil, put cloves and bayleaves outside - this hasn’t worked.

Alrighty then, since you won't believe the correct answer, maybe this one will satisfy you : Your house is not what is drawing them in, it's the shampoo, soap, hair spray, cologne, and lipstick you're wearing. They're following the smell of you right into your house !! So go take a good scrub-down, don't wash anything with soap, including yourself and allll the ladybugs will fly right away !!

Happy now?

 

[Colettefc]

I was merely asking. I don’t use lipstick, cologne, hairspray, etc. If soap or shampoo attracts ladybirds, every house would have them. My neighbours don’t have them. I asked. Also, they have a totally barren garden. Not a blade of grass nor a shrub in sight. No need for further comments. I will deal with it myself. My first and last time on this forum.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

So be it.

 

[MiTmite9]

I was merely asking. I don’t use lipstick, cologne, hairspray, etc. If soap or shampoo attracts ladybirds, every house would have them. My neighbours don’t have them. I asked. Also, they have a totally barren garden. Not a blade of grass nor a shrub in sight. No need for further comments. I will deal with it myself. My first and last time on this forum.

Please don't let an attempt at sarcasm dissuade you from using this site. While some of us may joke around, it is not mean-spirited teasing.

It's quite obvious that you are upset about these insects invading your space. It is disruptive and annoying, I'm sure. I hope you will be kind to these tiny critters. *** It is wholly a cyclical invasion.***

Ladybugs/Ladybirds, for whatever reason, often come in huge numbers ---- but only every so often. Sometimes I have seen vast numbers of them on certain hedges ----- like crazy huge numbers of them. A swarm of ladybugs is called "a loveliness," although I am sure you're currently feeling that their invasion into your home is not in the least bit "lovely."

One year I plucked at least 100 ladybugs off a sandy beach and brought them home to my garden. There were 1,000s of them crawling around on the beach, so I am guessing their migration path, unfortunately for them, caused them to be "beached" there.

Ladybugs are such a terrific boon to the environment and us gardeners. I'm sorry they are giving you grief right now. I am willing to bet that you will not see the like of this invasion in your home for at least another decade, if, indeed, ever again.

One nice thing is: hopefully you and your garden may benefit from this onslaught. Maybe the lady ladybugs will lay eggs and you won't have any problems with scale bugs, fruit flies, mites, mealybugs, and other garden pests for quite some time. Best of luck to you and please give my love to your "loveliness."