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Dorms Plagued by Ladybug Infestation
By: Blair Mullally '10
STAFF WRITER

Worldwide, there exist a plethora of old wives tales about the ladybug. In Belgium, a ladybug crawling across a young girl’s hand is considered a sure sign of her impending marriage, and the number of black spots on the back of a ladybug indicates how many children she will have. While many Swiss parents tell their children that they were brought by ladybugs (a kind of Swiss version of the stork), some Asian cultures not only believe that ladybugs understand human languages, but that they are a blessing from God.

Although a beneficial insect most of the time, ladybugs have a bad habit of infiltrating homes and businesses, making them quite a nuisance. As a result of the recent infestation of ladybugs in the dorms, what was once a cute little creature associated with luck and goodwill has become a disgusting pest that refuses to leave.

According to Steve Bailey, Director of the Physical Plant, ladybugs initially infiltrate homes and businesses by crawling through holes in window screens during the warmer autumn weather. During the winter, ladybugs tend to hibernate in the south and west walls of a structure, in an effort to seek heat through direct sunlight. Bailey says the ladybugs should “try to find their way back outside by themselves if windows are left open during warmer days. When spring arrives they will leave the building.”

While this is all well and good, one might ask, “Why don’t I just buy some all-purpose bug killer and go to work?” This sounds like the easiest solution, but it may not be the most effective one.

The Physical Plant does not recommend killing ladybugs with a bug killer because dead insect bodies tend to attract dermestid beetles (larder beetles, carpet beetles, etc.) Using a flyswatter to crush these ladybugs is also not recommended as ladybugs often emit some of their blood as a defense, causing an unpleasant smell, and often staining light-colored surfaces yellow (the color of their blood).

The only true way of preventing the entry of a wide range of insects is through complete exclusion during the summer and autumn months: areas favored by insects (including pipe voids, window and door trim, exhaust vents and behind utility boxes) are sealed with an exterior caulking material to prevent their entry.

If insects have already infiltrated the building, a vacuum remains the most reliable way to guarantee their removal. Unfortunately, these insects remain relatively untreatable until they come out of hiding during warmer months. Because ladybugs have the ability to fly, (and thus the ability to avoid pest control sprays, etc.), few pest control programs have a 100% removal rate, though frequent vacuuming of the effected areas should result in a considerable improvement.

In order to prevent the entrance of any kind of insect in the future, it is best to submit work orders to the Physical Plant for the repair of torn window screens now—before warm weather returns.