Wacky Pest Wednesday: Ladybugs

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you Tri-County Pest Control fans out there!  No matter your current status, call or write someone who helped to raise you and thank them for being your first Valentine—it will go a long way, trust us.

As keeping with our weekly tradition, we decided to make this edition of Wacky Pest Wednesday one that covers a critter that is quite fitting for the holiday: the ladybug.

Ladybugs are the quintessential bug that fit Valentine’s Day: red, cute, and passive, they are the perfect compliment to the holiday.  Not only that, but ladybugs are considered to be good luck if they land on you, and they wouldn’t hurt you in the slightest.

Believe it or not, these bugs are technically classified as beetles, since their hard wings resemble that of a beetle’s shell.  In addition, not all ladybugs are red with black spots, as there are some species can be orange, black, brown, or even pink.  Nevertheless, ladybugs are certainly a critter that you would want to keep around, since they love munching on pests that could be a hindrance to your garden.

Indeed, it is for that reason alone why they are called “ladybugs.”  Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, there was a really bad aphid problem, where those little critters were destroying farm crops left and right.  The people of the hamlets prayed and prayed to the Virgin Mary to send relief, and sure enough, a swarm of ladybugs came to the rescue and ate most of the aphids.  Shortly afterwards, these critters were to be called “Our Lady’s beetles,” which overtime has evolved into the contemporary “ladybug.”  Now, how is that for a fun fact!

So, with all of these great qualities, why do some people believe that ladybugs can be a pest?  Well, in the colder months, ladybugs will try to seek shelter in swarms, and your house may be a prime target.  A fan and some newspaper alone may not be enough to get them out, which is where the professionals come in.  In no time, we can get them out of your home or place to work, at little risk to you, your family, and the critters at hand.  While we don’t anticipate you having a ladybug problem, we are always here when and if they arise.

Now, go out and enjoy your Valentine’s Day with that special someone (even if that someone is your dog)!