Ladybugs

[Vinca]

I've got ladybugs all over the house! Since they're so good for the garden, I can't bring myself to kill them. Has anyone ever tried rounding them up and keeping them in a box or big jar until their services are needed? What would you feed them?

[Mind_your_head]

1. Are you SURE they are ladybugs? Perhaps they are Asian Lady Beetles

I suspect this when you say you've got "ladybugs all over the house".

Read about Asian lady beetles here:
http://www.kensavage.com/archives/ladybug-infestations-asian-lady-beetles/

[Vinca]

3. I think you might be right. I'll have to do more research on them.

If they were brought in to kill pests on apples, they must be good for something garden-wise. Guess we'll just keep opening the screens and giving them the boot.

[femmocrat]

2. They are probably the Asian Lady beetles, not ladybugs.

Don't worry about saving them. There are zillions of them and they hibernate indoors over the winter. You are probably seeing them now because they are waking up and trying to leave.

We had them everywhere a couple of weeks ago, but have only a few in the house now. It's been very warm here (PA) and I think they are ready to move outside. Good riddance! They are nasty little critters.

[bvar22]

4. We have them too.

This little beauty works great for their removal.

We also use it for Dirt Daubers and the occasional wasp that find their way inside.
There is a small Trap Door behind the little spout that closes when you turn it off, trapping the bugs inside until you are ready to dump them.

We use it in the garden for "no pesticide" control of Squash Bugs...very effective.
Also works well on smaller grasshoppers.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=246x8830
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Oh Yeah, you can also use it to clean up small messes. :)

We really like this useful little tool, and use it all the time.

[beac]

5. I've experienced an Asian Lady Beetle invasion and it's definitely creepy.

This year, for the first time ever, we've had Stink Bugs invade. They've been around for at least a month now, even back when it was freezing cold. Nasty, nasty things-- but extremely slow and stupid and thus easy to catch and crush. Ick.