Ladybugs. Good? Bad? Poisonous?
We've all heard some conflicting things about ladybugs. Let's lay out the truth.
Ladybugs are lucky.
If a ladybug lands on you, you've find new love.
A ladybug's spots will tell you how many children you will have.
We can't say if a ladybug landing on you brings luck (though we sure hope it does!), so we'll stick to addressing the myths we can. Here are some common things we hear about ladybugs and whether or not they are true.
Myth #2: The Color of the Ladybug Denotes Danger
Myth #3: Ladybugs are Harmless
Myth #1: Ladybugs are Poisonous
This is mostly untrue for humans. While a ladybug will bite you if provoked, they rarely break the skin and they do not carry human diseases. However, there are instances of allergic reactions in humans, that can cause symptoms that are generally associated with seasonal allergies (congestion, asthma, runny nose) and hives.
The answer is slightly different for pets. According to the American Kennel Club, there are documented instances of adverse reactions in dogs from eating ladybugs. The bugs secrete a fluid that will cause damage similar to a chemical burn inside the dog's mouth or gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, there are other symptoms, such as vomiting and drowsiness, that can accompany the ingestion of these insects.
Myth #2: The Color of the Ladybug Denotes Danger
There are different varieties of ladybugs. The "typical" ladybugs in Virginia are bright red with circular body and a few black spots. The Asian lady beetle is very similar in appearance and size, but is either orange or yellow. Asian lady beetles have more spots and a distinct black "M" shape on their head.
That being said, regular ladybugs generally live outside as beneficial insects, welcome in gardens as they eat aphids. Asian lady beetles, however, are invasive and can become a nuisance trying to congregate inside your home. They are also the insects that will bite you and make your pets sick if they eat them. Asian lady beetles will infest your garden, especially loving apple trees, and will also infest your home if given the opportunity.
So, in some ways, this myth is actually true.
Myth #3: Ladybugs are Harmless
If you've got a few ladybugs living in your garden, you could be getting some benefit from those cute little guys. However, if you've got a colony of Asian lady beetles clogging up your windows, biting you and endangering your pets, they don't seem so cute anymore.
Homes are meant to be insect-free. If you've got an unwanted bug population living in your home (or lady beetles chewing into all your apples and destroying your garden), give us a call. We want to help you maintain a good balance in your yard and in your home.
For more information about insects in Chesterfield, Midlothian, and Richmond, check out our Pest Library
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