How To Get Rid Of Ladybugs With Natural Insecticide

Ladybugs are not known to cause much damage to homes or gardens and are generally considered beneficial because they eat aphids and other insects which can damage gardens. These insects can be highly annoying and inconvenient, though, when they invade a home in swarms. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do if you don’t know how to get rid of ladybugs. Keep reading to learn more.

Trap ladybugs in a vacuum cleaner.

The best way to get rid of ladybugs is to remove them physically using a vacuum cleaner. If you cut the hose off with nylon stocking material, you might be able to create a trap using your vacuum. Trap the ladybugs inside by vacuuming them up and let them go back outside.

Use a hose attachment on the vacuum cleaner rather than the bottom push function. Put the toe end of the stockings over the end of the vacuum hose, with the leg portion of the stocking inside the hose. Secure the end in place with a rubber band. As you vacuum up the ladybugs, they will get trapped inside the stocking leg. Carefully pull the stocking out and release the ladybugs outside.

Make sure that the stocking does not get sucked into the vacuum cleaner. If you cannot block the collection bin or department with nylon, make sure that the bag or canister is empty before vacuuming the bugs up. That way, you can still release the ladybugs outside without dumping a bunch of dirt and debris out along with them.

Avoid picking them up individually and by hand.

If you do this, the ladybug is likely to secrete a yellow substance that can stain skin, clothes, and other surfaces. Contrary to popular belief, the yellow secretions left by ladybugs is blood, not waste. When a ladybug feels threatened, it leaves behind a small amount of blood as a warning and defense tactic.

Sweep ladybugs out the door.

Use a broom to sweep the ladybugs outside if they are close to a door. With this method, you still run the risk of starting the ladybugs and causing them to excrete yellow fluid. As such, you should only do it if the insects are only a short distance away from a door or window.

Capture ladybugs in a light trap.

While light traps offer limited help, setting one or two up in a dark attic or dark basement can attract and trap a few of the ladybugs hiding out in these locations. Note that these light traps will only take care of a fraction of the problem and are usually only effective on ladybugs living in confined, dark spaces. Light traps are not very effective when used in living spaces during the fall or spring.

Spread out food grade Diatomaceous Earth

Scatter the Diatomaceous Earth in locations you suspect ladybugs to travel in and around. It can be applied both inside and outside. Food grade Diatomaceous Earth is recommended since it will be safer to use around pets and kids. That said, you should prevent your kids and pets from coming into contact with the Diatomaceous Earth. It contains shards of sharp algae. These cut into the exoskeleton of the ladybug as the insect crosses over the Diatomaceous Earth, ultimately causing the bug to die from being unable to hold in moisture or hydration.

Spray camphor and menthol around infested areas.

Mix either one with a little water in a spray bottle and spritz it around areas that you suspect ladybugs to be hiding out at. The sprays should drive the ladybugs away without killing them. Ladybugs are sensitive to the strong odors of camphor and menthol. While these odors do not kill the insects, these bugs find the odors so unpleasant and harsh that they often move away from areas that reek of camphor or menthol.

Sprinkle boric acid around infested areas.

Boric acid, also known as borax, should be applied wherever you suspect a ladybug might travel. The ladybugs must come into direct contact with the boric acid powder to be affected by it. When ladybugs get boric acid on themselves, they ultimately end up dehydrating to death.

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