“With a butterfly kiss and a ladybug hug, sleep tight little one like a bug in a rug.”
— Anonymous
On the west side of the Prairie house there’s a bedroom that is rarely used. Though it is still a bedroom, it serves as a sewing room, an ironing room, occasionally a reading room and an extra closet room. Oh yes, and there is a clothes drying rack against the west window where the sun is strong on a sunny day.
The room is also a haven for ladybugs. They gather there by the hundreds either because the room is rarely disturbed or because it is often warmed by the sun. The little critters are on the carpet, the curtains, the window sills, the comfortable upholstered chair in the reading corner, the bedspread and pillows, the nightstand, and along the baseboards. Some are in motion and some have expired.
Years ago, I gathered ladybugs into a bug box and relocated them into the greenhouse and later released them into the spring garden. There are two different kinds of ladybugs that look quite similar. One is a sweet harmless ladybug and the other is actually a lady beetle from Asia. The lady beetles were imported to consume aphids on agricultural products like corn and soybeans. It is thought that some lady beetles may have been stowaways on ships into New Orleans and migrated north. By 1995 the population of lady beetles had exploded. As winter came the Asian lady beetles not finding homes in their native habitats ventured into our homes through doors, cracks, and crevices. If they don’t find food or water they will soon expire in mass.
Ladybugs can be kept as tiny pets with minimal care. I purchased a bug box but other items may do just as well such as a small box or jar with tiny holes for air. The ladybugs will enjoy a twig or a leaf to crawl on. Misting a piece of paper towel with water, not drenched but misted, will provide water for the little critters. When the paper dries out, replace it with another. Should you find a plant with aphids, hiding underneath rose petals or leaves, put a leaf in the container. Otherwise moisten a raisin and add it to your ladybugs’ home. Periodically carefully wipe around the inside of the ladybugs’ habitat for cleaning. The ladybugs will not have a long life, being rather a short-termed pet, whether they expire or they are released. They can, however, easily and economically bring a measure of joy during these winter months.
Whether you have native ladybugs or the Asian lady beetle will be a bit hard to tell. If the ladybug expels a yellow substance when feeling threatened or if it should bite or pinch you will have found yourself with the Asian lady beetle. It’s a natural reaction to feeling threatened. Be aware the expelled fluid can stain and possibly cause allergies. The bite will not hurt.
Insecticides can be used to rid yourself of ladybugs if you so choose. We prefer the vacuuming method which works well or you can decide to care for the ladybugs then release them come spring.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion