The Ladies of the House

For a while I've been meaning to learn more about ladybugs. People always say that it's "good" to have ladybugs around, especially in the garden. But I have them in my house - all over the house - tons of them. Usually around the windows. And often dead in big groups, like some kind of bizarre Jim Jones mass suicide. (Yeah, that's pretty dark.)

So I should find out what's going on, right? Why do they come to my house to die?

First of all, whoa there, let's not be so dramatic. Here's what I learned from ladybuglady.com.

Q. Why do ladybugs come into my house in the winter time?
A. Ladybugs are attracted to the light colored houses. Especially, homes that have a clear southwestern sun exposure. Older homes tend to experience more problem with aggregations due to lack of adequate insulation. The ladybugs come in through small cracks around windows, door ways and under clap boards. They want to hibernate in a warm, comfortable spot over the cold months of winter. Ladybugs gather in groups when they hibernate, so if you see one, you can be sure more will follow. The best way to keep them out is to repair damaged clap boards, window and door trim and to caulk small cracks.

Q. Once the ladybugs are in my house, will they eat anything?
A. No. Ladybugs don't eat fabric, plants, paper or any other household items. They like to eat APHIDS. Aphids are very small, but very destructive pest that feed on plants. (If you have rose bushes, you have probably seen aphids.) Ladybugs, while trying to hibernate in your house, live off of their own body fats. They, also, prefer a little humidity. But our homes are usually not very humid during the winter. In fact, they are rather dry causing most of your ladybug guests to die from dehydration. Occasionally, you might witness a ladybug in your bathroom getting a drink of water. Now, that's a smart lady!

So they're dehydrating, poor gals. I also learned that when ladybugs are "stressed," i.e. when they sense danger, they play dead, releasing a bit of blood so that predators will leave them alone. A ladybug's blood is yellow and has an unpleasant odor, so, in other words, best to just let them be. Or, if I want to save them, collect them up and then release them... where? They need warmth and moisture. Basement ladybug colony?

It's 18-degrees F in the country today. Hang in there, ladies; believe it or not, spring really is just around the corner.