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The insects that many of us refer to as “Ladybugs” are actually Asian Lady Beetles. To some, these are beneficial and adorable little insects. To others, they are simply an extreme nuisance. Both trains of thought are correct. In nature, the Asian Lady Beetle is a tremendously beneficial insect. They act as a biological control measure against aphids, mealybugs, mites and scale insects that would otherwise damage our crops. The Asian Lady Beetle has been introduced into the environment by organic gardeners and by the USDA, thus increasing the occurrence of them entering our homes. If not for the Asian Lady Beetle, many of these crops would either suffer significant damage or have to be treated with insecticides to prevent damage. However, when they enter our homes by the hundreds, or even the thousands, and manifest themselves throughout the fall and winter, they are a huge nuisance. Since the Asian Lady Beetle has no real predator here in Central Virginia, their numbers can become significant. In addition to being visual pests, these insects can discolor walls, windows and just about any surface they walk on. They produce a pungent, offensive odor and are extremely high in allergens. In some situations these allergens can actually cause reactions to people in the home much like pollens and molds. In some cases, the reactions are significant enough to require the affected person to take prescription medication to address the symptoms.

So, what can be done? Once the Asian Lady Beetles enter our homes in an attempt to overwinter NO CHEMICAL TREATMENT IS RECOMMENDED! As mentioned above, these insects are very high in allergens and killing them after they are inside walls and attics would trap these allergens in our living and breathing environment. At this point, a vacuum cleaner is your best control device. There are a few other, non-chemical, measures that may help reduce the numbers you see. If you are currently suffering from an Asian Lady Beetle infestation, give us a call and we’d be happy to give you some free advice.

This problem, however, can be prevented! With a well-timed, preventive treatment, we can make sure this problem doesn’t affect you and your family. We perform these treatments beginning in late September and continue to provide them until the Asian Lady Beetles “swarm,” usually the third week of October. Again, once they “swarm,” it is too late to treat! The preventive treatment we perform is done exclusively on the exterior of the home, so no pesticides are introduced into your living and breathing environment. The results we achieve are so incredible we can promise you, at least, a 75% reduction in Asian Lady Beetle activity! Unfortunately, the window of opportunity we have to perform these treatments is extremely limited, so is the number of treatments we can perform. If you would like to know more or would like to get an estimate and placed on our Asian Lady Beetle Treatment List, give us a call today!

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Serving Central Virginia