Most people really dislike insects, especially when they come inside our homes. But for some reason, people actually like ladybugs! Maybe it’s their cute name, their ability to destroy aphids in the garden, or the fact that their likeness can be found on children’s clothing. But when you find the real live bugs throughout your home in the fall and winter, they become a lot more obnoxious. As fall approaches, now is the time to consider pest-proofing your home to protect it from ladybugs (aka lady beetles) and other Missouri bugs that are looking for shelter from the upcoming winter.

The St. Louis pest control professionals at Rottler know a lot about bugs in Missouri; we know how to get rid of them and we know how to keep them out. To limit the number of ladybugs you find in your Missouri home this winter, try these pest-proofing tips from our pest control experts:

• Replace outdoor lighting with yellow lighting or sodium vapor lighting. This type of lighting is less attractive to insects.
• Vacuum up ladybugs whenever you see them; this can be effective in controlling the population inside your home, but it won’t prevent the pests from entering in the first place.
• Eliminate the aphids that are in your garden; ladybugs feed on aphids, so you can plant vegetation that discourages aphids from entering your garden, such as radishes, onions and petunias.
• Install screens in doors or windows that are free from rips and tears.
• Reduce entry points by locating and caulking up gaps or cracks in the foundation and all around the exterior of the structure.
• In the fall, contact the professionals at Rottler for effective preventative treatments against fall invaders like ladybugs. Our services can help deter pests from entering your home so that you can enjoy your winter without seeing live (or dead) ladybugs throughout your home.

Fortunately ladybugs aren’t dangerous; they are just problematic when they enter our homes in large numbers. Missouri insects are all looking for a good place to spend the winter, so proper pest-proofing measures should be taken in the fall to prevent these pests from driving you crazy during the cooler months of the year. If it’s too late for you and you are already witnessing swarms of ladybugs inside your home, on your window sills and throughout your structure, call the pros at Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions. We can help take care of these pests and prepare your home so that ladybugs and other pest invaders aren’t a problem in the future.

Contact Rottler today for more information on our one-time services or to learn about our year-round home pest control for Missouri homes and businesses.