Yesterday's sunny warm fall weather led to large congregations of ladybugs, order Coleoptera, family Coccinellidae (and the official bug of Massachusetts), on businessess and homes in eastern Massachusetts. This activity is likely to continue over the next few weeks continuing to drive calls to pest control companies and news stories like this one on WCVB-TV yesterday. They will enter wall voids or attics to hibernate over the winter. They feed on plant feeding insects such as scale insects, aphids, and others. They are a beneficial insect that is only an annoyance inside with no damage to either a structure or contents. They will congregate together, so if control is needed, some specific sites in the attics where they are located can be treated. The appropriate integrated pest management (and green pest control) technique for lady bugs in office or living spaces is to remove them with a vacuum, there is no need to spray them with an insecticide.
-Lauren Greenhow, General Manager, GreenHow, Inc.
www.GreenHow.com. Effective Organic & Low Impact Solutions, Lawn Care, Pest Control & Termite Control in Newton and Metro Boston.