How to Get Rid of Ladybugs—In a Nice Way

With their vibrant red shells and cute polka dots, ladybugs are often considered beneficial insects. This is often thanks to their appetite for aphids and other garden pests.

However, when these charming creatures invade your home in large numbers, they can become quite a nuisance. The good news is that you can safely and humanely get rid of ladybugs without harming them.

Here are a few gentle methods how to get rid of ladybugs from your home, as well as some techniques on how you can prevent future infestations.

How to Get Rid of Ladybugs

If you’re worried about ladybugs in your home, wondering do ladybugs lay eggs in houses, if they’re infesting every corner of your home…try not to let your worrying brain get the best of you. Figuring out how to get rid of ladybugs doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few nice ways to rid your home of ladybugs.

Method 1: Gentle Relocation

If you have ladybugs indoors, consider gently relocating the bugs outside. Ladybugs are known to seek shelter in your home during a season of unpleasant outdoor weather, and they often congregate in sunny spots.

To move them without harm, get a small container like a cup or glass and a piece of paper. Approach the ladybugs slowly and encourage them to climb onto the paper. Be patient and gentle.

Once they’re on the paper, carry them outside and release them in a sheltered area near plants or greenery.

Method 2: Use a Ladybug House

While you might already have a bird house in your garden, consider investing in a ladybug house.

These ladybug houses provide shelter for ladybugs and can attract them away from your home. Make sure your garden offers suitable habitats for ladybugs, including plants they prefer, as these will naturally attract ladybugs and help keep them away from your home.

Method 3: Employ Natural Deterrents

While you don’t want to harm ladybugs, there are certain scents and substances they dislike. This can encourage them to leave your home all on their own without harming them.

Mix a few drops of peppermint essential oil with water and spray it around entry points, such as doors and windows. Ladybugs tend to avoid the strong scent of peppermint and won’t like to cross that barrier.

You can also place cedarwood shavings or blocks near entry points to deter ladybugs from coming inside your home.

Method 4: Decorate Your Porch with Mums

Ladybugs don’t love mums. So, when you plant more of them around your home or keep mums on your porch and patio, ladybugs have a tendency to turn away.

Remember that ladybugs are looking for a place they can call home so if you make your home less inviting, you’re more likely to get rid of those ladybugs hanging around.

How to Prevent Ladybugs

Preventing ladybugs in the first place can save you the hassle of getting rid of them. Here are a few kind ways to prevent ladybugs from entering your home.

Method 1: Remove Aphid Infestations

One of the reasons ladybugs may invade your home is the presence of aphids, a delicious food source. To prevent ladybugs from being attracted to your garden and subsequently making their way indoors, inspect your plants for signs of aphid infestations. If you find aphids on a plant, prune the affected parts to prevent them from spreading.

Method 2: Seal Gaps and Cracks

Prevent ladybugs from entering your home by thoroughly sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior. Ladybugs are drawn to warmth and light, so if you seal all your entry points, you protect your home.

Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and openings where ladybugs might enter. Pay special attention to areas around windows, doors, vents, and utility openings. Seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. If ladybugs can’t get in, they can’t make your home their home.

Method 3: Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping your home clean and free of ladybug attractants is essential for preventing future infestations.

This means wiping off counters, sweeping and mopping floors, and making sure that all food is properly stored and sealed.

Method 4: Invest in More Ladybug-Repelling Plants

Plant ladybug-repelling plants near your home, such as marigolds and other well-known insect-repelling plants. These plants naturally deter ladybugs and can help keep them away from your house.

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Getting rid of ladybugs in a humane way doesn’t have to be complicated. By employing these gentle methods and taking preventative measures, you can peacefully coexist with these beneficial insects without the inconvenience of an infestation.