During the springtime, many homes are overtaken with swarms of tiny red ladybugs. Though these vivid beetle visitors are rarely considered pests on par with cockroaches or wasps, this can change in a hurry when they gather in such large numbers. If your house is overrun with them, you’ll need ladybug control. Here are four pieces of advice to minimize the population. 

4 Ladybug Control Tips

1. Pick up Stragglers

If there are only a few ladybugs, don’t fret—you can remove them easily. These insects can bite, so some people wrap a piece of duct tape around a finger and pick up the bugs with the adhesive. Release the beetle outdoors or place the tape in an outside garbage bin so it doesn’t get back into the house again.

2. Break out the Vacuum

Many people begin ladybug control by vacuuming the insects and then emptying the container outside. Enlist an exterminator to block any entrances in the outside of your home so they can’t find their way back inside. The beetles can remove aphids from the garden, which promotes better plant growth, so they’re helpful to have around so long as they can’t get inside and don’t congregate in unmanageable numbers. 

3. Don’t Sweep Them

Have you ever tried to sweep ladybugs off the floor? If you have, you likely noticed the insects excrete a smelly yellowish slime when under stress. This can double the time it takes to clean up, so try other ladybug control methods such as vacuuming instead.

4. Bring in Exterminators

If you want fast, efficient, and complete ladybug control, it’s time to call in the cavalry. Pest control technicians will offer the skills and technology needed to remove the bugs and their eggs to prevent them from reinfesting the home. From one-time treatments to seasonal inspections, they offer a variety of services to ensure your house is safe and bug-free. As an added bonus, they won’t let the beetles leave behind a stinky mess.

If you’re in need of ladybug control, reach out to Southeast Termite & Pest Control in Knox County, TN, to learn about their options. The team earned an Angie’s List® Super Service Award in 2014 and has gone over 46 years without a complaint filed with the Better Business Bureau®. Call the Knoxville-area company at (865) 925-3700 or visit the website for information on their termite, wildlife, and other pest control offerings.