Welcome to Guest or Pest, a new blog series from Mosquito Hero where we shine a light on common bugs that are either harmful or beneficial for humans and our gardens. Today, let’s take a look at the mighty ladybug!

What Is A Ladybug?

The Coccinellidae, more popularly known as the ladybug, is a beetle with a striking, recognizable appearance that serves to ward off predators. In North America, we most commonly encounter a variety called the seven-spotted ladybug. 

Despite its cute name and colouring, the ladybug is a fearsome hunter. In addition to eating pollen, the ladybug feeds on destructive garden pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, and thrips, which would otherwise cause devastating damage to plants and crops. In fact, it is estimated that a ladybug eats up to 5,000 aphids over the course of its lifetime.

Guest or Pest?

Where your garden is concerned, a ladybug is a very welcome guest! Ladybugs act as natural insect control, protecting your gardens, especially vegetables, from destructive pests. To attract ladybugs to defend your garden, plant some of their favorite plant varieties, including herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley, and flowers like marigold, Queen Anne’s Lace, goldenrod, and zinnias.

You may be less enthusiastic about ladybugs when they find their way into your home, but even then they are more of a nuisance than a danger. They can bite humans, but very rarely, and it is unlikely to hurt unless you have an allergic reaction resulting in a raised, itchy bump. Unlike a mosquito bite, a ladybug bite is not a blood meal. A ladybug bites for self defense and does not transmit any illnesses or parasites. When stressed, a ladybug may also secrete blood from its legs, potentially leaving a small stain and an odour.

If you experience an indoor ladybug infestation, you can use natural repellents like diatomaceous earth, citronella, cloves, bay leaves, and lavender to dissuade the ladybugs from settling in your home.

Eliminate Pests with Mosquito Hero

While ladybugs are garden helpers, some pests are just plain harmful. Mosquitoes and ticks are carriers of dangerous illnesses, like West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. 

Reclaim your outdoor space with Mosquito Hero. Our mosquito control services give you custom, targeted control and monthly service from a trained professional, effectively reducing the mosquito population in your yard. And our tick control service aims to eliminate these pests from your property and prevent further tick activity.

Find a Mosquito Hero near you and get a free quote today!