One of the best-known insects, the “lady bug” — or lady beetle, or ladybird beetle — is also one of the most beneficial. Lady beetles eat a variety of pests, including garden-destroying aphids; one can eat as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime! However, like any other beneficial insect, lady beetles can become pests when they enter homes, as they often do at this time of year.
The lady beetle is easily identified by its oval shape, and orange and black coloring. Different species have somewhat different markings, usually orange with black spots. Their distinctive coloring warns predators to stay away; it’s also quite pretty, which is probably why “lady bugs” are popular with the general public.
During autumn, lady beetles might enter structures through windows, vents, eaves, even chimneys. Unlike roaches, which multiply rapidly indoors, invading lady beetles are generally just looking for a place to spend the winter months. Outdoors, they might be found in clusters under logs, rocks, or other objects. Indoors, these clusters of harmless insects are considered an annoying infestation. I once found dozens in the exhaust fan above a stove, which wandered out into the kitchen every time it was used.
Because lady beetles are beneficial in most circumstances, pesticide use is only recommended when absolutely necessary. Indoors, it might be as simple as flushing out a crevice. Of course, exclusion — preventing their entry in the first place — is preferable.