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Garden Gate:  dang-blasted "lady" bugs!!!  |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 09 2006 : 2:24:28 PM
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well .. autumn is officially here in kentucky .. we have a ka-billion of those nasty little orange ladybugs flying around and covering ther windows in ONE DAY! i have never head of a 'miracle' cure to get rid of them ... mostly i hear .. keep your vacuum handy!
any one else have these 'visitors' already?
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2006 : 3:23:19 PM
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| Freeze them and send them to Idaho! We need them to control the aphids! |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9092 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9092 Posts |
Posted - Oct 09 2006 : 3:32:32 PM
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WOW, you must have a lot of them. When I was little I was told not to kill them they were the good ones. Remember the rhyme? LADY BUG LADY BUG FLY AWAY HOME YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE AND YOUR CHILDREN WILL BURN. Now isn't that the nicest rhyme to read to children? Some of those nursery rhyme people were a little strange!!
NANCY JO |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 06:08:57 AM
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yep .. beth is right .. these are NOT the sweet little red lady bugs of nursery rhyme lore .. they LOOK like lady bugs .. but are ORANGE .. and i do hear that they bite (i just flicked one off my 'typing' hand!) i too, have heard that they are a beetle imported from asia! and YESSSS! they doooo stink if you mash them .. i even find that when they die inside my vacuum cleaner .. the BAG stinks .. soooo .. i put 'smellies' in there to combat the stench. trust me alee darlin' .. you do NOT want these!
i'm not even sure they eat BUGS!!! AND .. along with them at this season seems to come zillions of FLIES too! they share the windows! the only 'downer' i have found about living here!!! luckily it is usually just for this 'season' (although .. sometimes they go right into winter!)
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 06:53:59 AM
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We get alot of box elder bugs here we had the back side of a house when we first got married ( meaning the back three rooms to live in) and I was constantly vaccuming up, killing and catching boxelder bugs even in the dead of winter. We use to keep a talley of how many a day. Kind of gross now to think about but at the time when you are infested it is good to know how many didn't get in to bed with you before you got them. I just hated the thoug of going to sleep and knowing one would some how get in the house and crawel on me. YUCK!!!!!!! I like lady bugs the little red ones not big orange ones that bite I think I would keep a talley on them as well.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my web store www.sunshines.etsy.com my other web store http://vintagethreads.etsy.com/
my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/ my google page http://sunshine.harbaugh.googlepages.com/home |
Edited by - sunshine on Oct 10 2006 06:54:51 AM |
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Phils Ann
True Blue Farmgirl
1095 Posts
Ann
Parsonsburg
Maryland
USA
1095 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 10:48:55 AM
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We get those orange "lady bugs", too! I thought they WERE lady bugs, and that lady bugs bite! I will now kill them without guilt. I used to carry them to the door and carefully set them outside... NO MORE! Frannie, they aren't here yet... but any day now. This is still the season of huge spiders crossing trails with webbies (yuck).
Ann
There is a Redeemer. |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 10:57:45 AM
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This reminds me of a funny (sort of!) story from years ago when we first married. My dh, knowing my love of the type of thing, brought me home two HUGE pinecones from a worksite one winter. They were so nice and I set them on a bookshelf in our livingroom.
Day two of new decorating accessory I find a couple of ladybugs (the real ones) on the living room wall, which I carefully place outside in a planter.
Day three brings a few more and now I'm definitely curious as to the source of these visitors.
Day four brings a DELUGE and red polka-dotted wallpaper that somehow got hung overnight!!
Thankfully they were lady bugs and not spiders or something equally creepy. We vacuumed them up with a clean bag, put them outside including the pinecones!!
It's never boring...
Di |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 11:01:59 AM
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an article for your info..they are ladybugs and they are beneficial.there are many varieties/colors.
Asian Lady Bugs
Question: I know lady bugs are supposed to be good, but in our house in Maine this fall we had hundreds of them in the house and on the side of the house. Why in the Fall?
Answer: The following information was adapted from an article by Dan Suomi, an entomologist with the Washington State Department of Agriculture (Down the Garden Path Newsletter, April 14, 1994 #60).
The species found so abundantly is the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, common in Japan, Korea and other parts of Asia. The name "multicolored" refers to tremendous color variation in this species, ranging from black with two red spots, to red with 19 black spots, and about every combination in between. They were introduced by USDA Agricultural Research scientists in the late 1970's and early 1980's as a biological control agent for pear psylla and other soft bodied insects.
In their native home, Harmonia axyridis overwinters in cliffs, but in the United States, unfortunately, the next best thing is a house. Attracted to vertical surfaces, they often appear on light-colored walls with a south-southwest exposure. These 1/4" long insects enter wall voids through cracks and settle down for the winter. With lengthening daylight, a warm interior often draws them inside. Residents become frustrated because daily vacuuming does not seem to rid the structure of beetles.
Lady beetles are beneficial insects and should be preserved, if possible. Locating entry points and sealing up cracks and crevices will help reduce their numbers inside homes. Make certain that screens and doors are tight-fitting. Concentrate initial efforts on the south and west sides of infested structures. Each day, dispose of vacuumed up beetles well away from the building, as these insects are strong fliers and will readily return. A wet-dry vacuum works quite well for this. Vacuuming the clusters from walls during fall may also offer some relief.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 11:08:38 AM
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they can be a "pest" when they come in your house.. but I also wanted to say that they are a beneficial insect as well..not just a "pest"
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More info:
You may have noticed congregations of lady beetles on the sides of your home or even inside porches or garages in the Fall. These are the 'Asian lady beetles' or, because of the time of year that they usually arrive, 'Halloween lady beetles'. Most everyone associates lady beetles with their beneficial aspects of controlling insect pests such as aphids and scale insects, however this particular species, Harmonia axyridis, has become a regular nuisance pest throughout the whole eastern half of the country in the last few years.
Asian lady beetles are particularly obnoxious because of their habit of congregating in homes during the fall to pass the winter. In the spring, these beetles again become noticeable in homes as they try to find their way back outdoors. Some reports have been received of them biting/pinching and certainly smelling bad. One of the defensive tactics of these beetles is to emit a foul smelling substance when disturbed. When hundreds or thousands of these beetles are grouped together, that smell is greatly intensified and usually becomes the biggest objection of all.
****During the summer months the Asian lady beetles are helpful because they feed on aphids in trees on other plants.***
During the late summer and fall time, they often fly to light colored homes, usually south west facing sides, where they look for corners, cracks or other 'protected nooks' to congregate in preparation for overwintering. Because they are attracted to light, some have suggested using a light trap inside the home to control them. The effectiveness of this method of control has not yet been determined and, because it is an expensive option, it is not recommended at this time.
The easiest way to dispose of beetles found inside the home is with a vacuum cleaner. A long extension will suck them from ceilings and light fixtures. I have found that most die after being sucked through the vacuum and the few that survive seldom are able to find their way back out. This indicates that removal of the bag after each episode may not be necessary. As a preventive measure, exterior cracks and other openings can be sealed during the spring or summer months. Use a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk to seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, fascia boards, utility pipes, and other potential entry points. Repair damaged window screens and install insect screening behind attic vents. Insecticides are not generally recommended, unless the temporary annoyance can no longer be tolerated. Aerosol-type foggers containing synergized pyrethrins can be used in attics, but will provide no residual control of beetles that will emerge from cracks and protected cavities during the spring months. Aerosol foggers or sprays are not recommended for treatment of bedrooms or other living areas within the home. The effect of such treatment would be negligible unless beetles are crawling on exposed surfaces, where they could just as easily be removed by vacuuming.
For more information on Asian lady beetles and control, refer to Purdue Entomology's Extension publication E-214, "Asian Lady Beetles" (PDF 32K - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) or from your local county Cooperative Extension Service Office or by calling Purdue's toll-free Extension information line at 1-888-EXT-INFO (1-888-398-4636).
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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shoptea
Farmgirl in Training
23 Posts
Martha
SAINT ALBANS
MAINE
USA
23 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 5:38:51 PM
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Frannie, I live here in Maine and we get the lady bugs prior to summer when it just starts to get warm. The past 2 years were really bad. We get them inside the house - I had to go around constantly with a small dust pan and sweep them in it. This year I was thrilled only had about 10 or so :)
Now that October is here, you guessed it!! I'm doing the same thing -nothing like watching the leaves turn colors and sweeping up lady bugs. Who knew :)
http://www.villagehavenfarm.com
Country Farm Store - We carry Tea, Country Teapots,Goat Milk Soap and more and yes we even sell Goat Cookies! |
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OregonGal
True Blue Farmgirl
511 Posts
Chris
No. IL
USA
511 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 6:04:49 PM
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| I think the Asian Lady Beetles, are worse than the aphids they are supposed to be a cure for. What a nuisance and a pest! If the aphids don't kill your trees and veggies in the spring and summer, then the lady beetles get them in the fall. They are all over the red raspberries - you'd think I planted them for the lady beetles. And just try to go out on a beautiful fall day and pick apples - not fun where I am - they're flying in your hair and many times you can't feel them land on you til they've bitten you. And sitting outside on a beautiful fall day, nope, forget that too. I truly dislike them. I finally resorted to Raid around the window and door frames. There doesn't seem to be as many this year - yet! On a better note, I have seen quite a few praying mantis' and walking sticks....and have seen some of the parasitic wasp eggs in the tomato hornworms, too. Yea for the good bugs! Boo for the bad bugs. |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 6:53:19 PM
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About three years ago we had these things so bad you could see a cloud of them coming up our driveway. Just getting out of my car and walking in to the house I would get four or five of them in my clothes and my hair, and you are right, they bite!
Since that time they have fallen back to a more reasonable level - we still get them coming in to the house around the windows but a swipe with the vacuum takes care of them. I think maybe some natural predator must have multiplied because of the abundance the 2nd year, or else there were so many of them their own food supply dwindled. This year I actually saw some real lady bugs in my garden in addition to these pests.
I am told they like south-facing light-colored walls. In the wild (so to speak) they like to nest for the winter in cliffs. So, one solution might be to paint your south exterior wall a dark color. Ha! Let me know if that works for you, if so, I'll do it too!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Oct 10 2006 : 9:44:32 PM
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ha! i'm going to paint all my walls BLACK!!!
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2006 : 09:57:33 AM
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UH OH,
I thought we might escape it this year. Haven't seen beetle one yet, BUT it has happened like clockwork every year and Frannie, I feel your pain! What a smelly mess. It's only been cold here in NC for 2 days, so it's probably only a matter of time.
I try vacuuming them (P U!!), and hate to do this, but seeings as these aren't the "true" ladybug, I don't feel so badly.
They clump in the corners and poop all over the walls. I tried seeing just exactally where they come in and never could. The "migration" last year stopped before a possible crevace could be located.
I think I read where they are attracted to either light or dark colors.....can't remember which it is. That, and any east facing, warm wall.
We have also had throngs of box elder bugs in the past, but luckily they stay outside and haven't found passage inside yet. And we also had to cut one box elder tree down, that seem to have helped a little. |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2006 : 10:04:00 AM
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Oh, and even if these are a true ladybug sub-species, this many is TOO many!
I must echo Tina, the wall in our house DOES face West after all..my goof. We have tan vinyl siding, must not be light enough.
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Oct 15 2006 : 11:00:37 AM
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even too much of a so called good thing..can be bad eh? LOL well good luck girls..hope the bugs eventually go elsewhere.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
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MsCwick
True Blue Farmgirl
775 Posts
Cristine
Farmville
Virginia
USA
775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 18 2006 : 10:49:50 AM
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| I've been attacked today, girls. The front my my house looks like a giant speckled egg! What to do??? Can't we make a trap?? |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 21 2006 : 4:38:20 PM
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I think you can build and or buy those ladybug condos. But truth be known, I wouldn't want anything like that attracting even MORE closer in to the house! Not sure if they even work
Swatted the first interloper yesterday.....aaand here we go!
Thought there might be more today as it was unseasonably warm. Just lots of flies all congregating on the screen door. At this point, at least THEY go away when the sun goes down. |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2006 : 08:22:19 AM
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oh anna .. usually .. those dratted FLIES come along with the lady-bugs .. (must be some sort of escort or 'date') .. but SO far .. no flies .. however, we have a buncha' what it 'think' are' MUD DAUBERS .. not nearly so many as the flies though. it's turned kinda' colde here so the lady bugs have slowed down a little.
i read they like 'light' spaces .. soooooooooo .. out of desperation i went and bought some thick very BLACK fabric .. going to cover a coupla' windows up (upstairs) and see if it seems to keep them away .. when they come back again. the lady who sold me the fabric (i love small town advice!) told me she didn't think it would work because she has a light colored 'out building' that has NO windows .. yet millions of the bugs!
i'll let ya'll know if the black curtain thingie works! xo
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 23 2006 : 03:46:04 AM
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Ya thanks lemme know how it works I found 2 more over the weekend. Each time I have to flip the lighs on, I hold my breath.
I just recall last year when hubby had been outside all day long. I came home from work, flipped the light on that evening, and saw THOUSANDS!!!!
Like you said, the vacuum stayed in that particular room for about a month. I got tired of tripping over it, but even more weary of the ladybugs pooping all over a beautiful paint job! |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Oct 30 2006 : 06:45:49 AM
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AAAAAND here we go!  Over the weekend the ladybug invasion began in ernest. Temps were warmer than usual and look to stay this way for the next week. The vacuum won't be put awy now 'till the last ladybug is sucked up.
Beats me why they migrate in on the warm days??? |
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 2:16:48 PM
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I don't know which of the birds (or if it is a combination of them) takes care of these for us, but we're not bothered by them (even though we're right next to a soy bean field) we have chickens, turkeys, guineas, muscovives, pea fowl & geese.
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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beckels
True Blue Farmgirl
237 Posts
becky
warrington
pa
USA
237 Posts |
Posted - Nov 13 2006 : 6:51:14 PM
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I have those wonderful ladybugs trying to hibernate in the house for winter - I can sweep those little sleeping things 2-3 times a day (but the ones I have dont stink) - but I do have stinkbugs that have invaded this area from china (they are brown or tan colored and can be about the size of a dime) and they stink if you smash them
becky |
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Garden Gate: dang-blasted "lady" bugs!!! |
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dang-blasted "lady" bugs!!!
