During the Spring, it’s common to see more Asian Lady beetles, better known as ladybugs, around the house than usual. The beetles were first introduced from Asia into the United States in the 1960s and 1990s, as a way to reduce agricultural pests.
The lady beetles like to congregate near warm and well-lit surfaces. During Houston’s unpredictable spring, where we can expect a mixture of cold and warm days, you might find a group of lady beetles around your window, door frames, or lights. Even though they are not toxic, they can secrete a substance that stains household items and leaves a bad smell.
To prevent a group of lady beetles using your house as their hang-out pad, make sure you seal up window cracks, put screens on vents, and replace worn-down weather stripping along door frames. Many folktales about ladybugs revolve around good luck, says Justin Clay, Senior Naturlist with Houston Arboretum.
“Gardeners typically love them, so naturally they get positive folktales. It is said if you see a spotless ladybug it means you will find solutions to the troubles you face. We shall see,” writes Clay.
