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PrintControlling Lady Bugs in Your Home
News Type: Event — Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:59 AM EDT
Lady Beetles or Lady Bugs are very beneficial bugs in the garden, since they are predators of aphids, mites, and the larvae of other plant eating bugs.
Asian Lady Beetles have a white spot and an "M" behind the head. Do not squish them! They leave a yellowish stain behind!
The larvae of the Asian Lady Beetle is beautifully colored, and should not be disturbed in the garden.
The Convergent Lady Beetle or Lady Bug is a friend in the garden-- and the most easily recognizable of the Lady Bugs.
Lady Bugs lay their eggs on leaves, sticking the eggs to the leaves by a sticky substance produced by the female.
Lady Beetle larvae are a familiar site in the garden. Most Lady Bugs have 2 or 3 generations per year.
The Seven Spot Lady Beetle is also a familiar site in the garden, but has fewer spots than the Convergent Lady Bug.
Pink Spotted Lady Beetles are a pink color with black spots. They have the same characteristics as other Lady Bugs, but are different colors.
The Yellow Spotted Lady Beetle is black with yellow spots, and also has the same beneficial characteristics as most Lady Bugs.
The Mexican Bean Lady Beetle is a PEST, and should be removed from the home and garden. You can pick them off by hand and drown them in soapy water.
The Squash Lady Beetle is also a PEST and should be removed from the home and garden. Along with the Mexican Bean Lady Beetle, they are plant eaters.
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There are several kinds of Lady Beetles, or Lady Bugs, and most species of Lady Bugs are considered to be beneficial, because they eat aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and other insect larvae. in addition, both adults and larvae actively hunt for prey over the surface of plants, especially in weedy areas and in gardens. In the fall, however, Lady Bugs can become a nuisance to the homeowner when over-wintering in the home, and some kinds of Lady Beetles, like the Mexican Bean Beetle or the Squash Beetle are considered to be pests in the garden environment.
The first thing to do in controlling a Lady Bug or Lady Beetle infestation is to know your bug. Remember that most Lady Bugs are beneficial in the garden, because they are predators of pests. So, you don't want to kill a Lady Bug that can help your garden next spring.
What is a Lady Bug?
Like all beetles, Lady Beetles or Lady Bugs have chewing mouthparts and hardened front wings. The front wings fold over the abdomen to protect their back wings. Lady Bugs always have round, broad, oval bodies, and most species are orange, red, or yellow, with black spots. Some Lady Bugs are completely black. The ends of the Lady Bug antennae are shaped like small clubs.
Lady Beetle larvae are elongated, and most are black, with yellow, red, or orange markings. The larvae of a few species produce a thick wax coating over their bodies to protect them from ants and other predators.
Lady Bugs have complete metamorphosis, with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. In most species, bright yellow or orange eggs are laid in small clusters that are glued to plant leaves with secretions produced by the female. The larvae hatch within a few days and reach full size after two molts, a time span of about a month. Then, the larvae pupate, and emerge as adults after a few days. There are several generations each year. Most species overwinter as adults in large underground or sheltered colonies. For homeowners, this is when the beneficial Lady Bug can become a nuisance.
Asian Lady Beetle – A Pest in the Home, But Not in The Garden.
While most Lady Bugs are beneficial to the environment, Asian Lady Beetles are a real pest in the home. Asian Lady Bugs were first reported as pests in 1988, and have since spread to cover most of the US and parts of Canada. These bugs were used by the US Department of Agriculture to control insect pests, especially of pecans and apples. Large numbers were released in several states, including Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Maryland. The infestations of Asian Lady Beetles were first reported shortly afterward.
Asian Lady Beetles may be difficult to identify, so be careful that you are truly going to kill the correct bug. Adult Asian Lady Beetles are about ¼" long. Their color can vary widely from tan to orange to red. They often have several black spots on their wing covers, but, on some Asian Lady Beetles, the spots may be indistinct or entirely absent. Multi-spotted individuals tend to be female, while those with no spots tend to be the male of the species. Asian Lady Beetles have a whitish area with an "M" marking behind the head.
Why are these bugs pests? In the home, they tend to fly to buildings in search of overwintering sites and end up indoors. Once inside, they crawl about on windows, walls, attics, etc., often emitting a noxious odor and a yellowish staining fluid before dying. So, how do you rid your home of the Asian Lady Beetle? First, do not attempt to squash them, as these bugs leave a yellowish stain on most surfaces. Instead, gently vacuum them off the areas where they may be seen. Insert a handkerchief between the vacuum hose and the dust collection bag to act as a trap.
If you wish to limit the number of Asian Lady Beetles in your yard, you can take the vacuum bag outside, and dump the bugs into a bucket of soapy water. After about 10 minutes, pour the water off, down into a drain that is headed for a municipal sewer supply, or dilute the soapy water and pour it onto the ground, if you have a septic system. Wearing rubber gloves, you can pick the dead Asian Lady Beetles out of the water, and place them into a plastic bag. Seal the bag, and dispose of the bag in the trash.
Asian Lady Beetles do not generally injure humans. Unlike some household pests, they do not reproduce indoors, (those that appear in the spring are the same ones that entered your home in the fall), and they do not attack wood, food, or clothing. Although they do not transmit diseases, recent studies have indicated that infestations can cause allergies in some individuals ranging from eye irritations to asthma. People should avoid touching their eyes after handling the beetles, and should consult a physician if they suspect they are having an allergic reaction.
Beneficial Lady Bugs
There are several kinds of Lady Bugs that are very beneficial to the garden and the environment. If at all possible, refrain from killing these Lady Bugs in large numbers, because they can help you next year!
The Seven-spot Lady Beetle has seven spots on its back, while the Convergent Lady Bug has a few more. Both of these Lady Bugs are typically red with black spots, although they may be reddish-orange or orange with black spots. Pink Lady Beetles are also very attractive, and are pink in color, with black dots. The Yellow-spotted Lady Bug is black with yellow spots. These beetles are typically slow-moving as they spend their lives searching for aphids, mites, and other small insects, making them easy to catch. They are slow, clumsy fliers. The larvae are also very slow-moving and easy to capture. Even if these beetles enter your home, and become a nuisance, it is best to vacuum them up gently, then dump the Lady Bugs in a field or other large area away from your home.
Prevent Lady Bug Infestations
Seal Entry Points -- Sealing cracks and openings is the most permanent way of preventing Lady Bugs from entering your home. The time to do this is late spring, or early summer, before adults begin to fly into buildings in search of overwintering sites. Cracks should be sealed around windows, doors, soffits, fascia boards, utility pipes, and wires, etc., with caulk or other suitable sealant. Larger holes can be plugged with cement, urethane foam, or comer mesh.
Repair damaged window screens and install screening behind attic vents, which are common entry points for the beetles. Install tight-fitting door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. Gaps of 1/8" or less will permit entry of Lady Bugs and other insects. Gaps under sliding glass doors can be sealed with foam weather stripping.
Not only does sealing your home prevent the entry of insect pests, but it lowers energy costs, as well.
Insecticide foggers are not recommended, as they are often ineffective, and may stain surfaces, or leave unwanted chemical residues on walls, countertops, and other surfaces. Attempting to kill beetles hibernating in walls or other protected locations is seldom effective. A better approach is to take preventative measures.
If Lady Bugs are a perennial problem, you may wish to hire a professional pest control firm. Many companies can apply insecticides to building exteriors which helps prevent pest entries. To be effective, barrier treatments should be applied before the beetles enter the home, during late summer. While it is too late this year, it is the perfect time to plan for next year. Make sure to hire a licensed and/or certified pesticide applicator.
Other approaches have been suggested to alleviate problems with Asian Lady Beetles. Light traps may be useful in capturing Lady Bugs in attics or other dark places, but will capture relatively few beetles entering living spaces in the fall, or emerging from hibernation in the spring. Ladybug "houses" sold in many garden supply catalogues will have no effect in keeping the beetles out of your home.
Remember, in the long run, Lady Bugs are very beneficial bugs in your yard and garden. Not only do they help to control pests, but they also serve as food to birds and other predators.
"Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home,
Your house is on fire and your children alone."
23 Votes- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
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- Regions: Louisville
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{"commentId":10395283,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
This is one method of controlling ladybugs in your home-- Non-chemical controls!
Take care of yourselves out there---
{"commentId":10395283,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
- 11 votes
#1 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 12:01 PM EDT{"commentId":10407017,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
Recently we had a swarm of them flying in the air outside, something I'd never witnessed before. Around a hundred or so found their way indoors through cracks around an air conditioner and then I was faced with controlling them! After removing the AC and closing the window, I used a vacuum cleaner with a hose to contain the intruders.
I adore the little critters anyway. They're cute, they don't annoy humans, and they eat other bugs. What more could you ask for?
{"commentId":10407017,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10407076,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
rickace...They're cute, they don't annoy humans, and they eat other bugs. What more could you ask for?
Lady bugs in Congress?
{"commentId":10407076,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 8 votes
{"commentId":10407688,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
Lady bugs in Congress?
I'd go for that. When it comes to fiscal matters they'd be a step up from the humans we have now.
:-)
{"commentId":10407688,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10433671,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
Thank both of you for coming by!
My pleasure, and thank you! What a delightful diversion from the usual fare here on the Vine.
Hey how about the White House as well? FLBOTUS has a nice ring to it, doncha' think?.
{"commentId":10433671,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10434017,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10444804,"authorDomain":"my-2-cents"}
They don't hurt anything, when they start coming into your house, you know winter is just around the corner, and when they start trying to get back out, spring is near. They are harmless, once in your house they will find a place to stay out of your way, no need to kill them.
{"commentId":10444804,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"my-2-cents"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10396556,"authorDomain":"cwasylk-1"}
Dowser - I had no idea there were so many colors and some were not good to have around. Great article.
(((((Dowser)))))
{"commentId":10396556,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"cwasylk-1"}
- 6 votes
#3 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:12 PM EDT{"commentId":10396760,"authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
Instead, gently vacuum them off the areas where they may be seen. Insert a handkerchief between the vacuum hose and the dust collection bag to act as a trap.
That's great advice! Thanks for the article Dowser! This is really good reference material!
{"commentId":10396760,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"bigmomma"}
- 6 votes
#4 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 1:24 PM EDT{"commentId":10402469,"authorDomain":"pennid"}
It is on the front page at 8:41 (CST) October 31, 2009. Congratulations, it is an excellent article and certainly worth of the front page, at least in my opinion. You obviously did your research and wrote an informative article that is easily read.
{"commentId":10402469,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"pennid"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10414907,"authorDomain":"redshadowlyingdownwithagreenbackground"}
There is a very beneficial Lady Bug on Newsvine.
{"commentId":10414907,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"redshadowlyingdownwithagreenbackground"}
- 6 votes
{"commentId":10416065,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10416289,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
Red....My hero....{grinning}
Did you know on the internet you can buy 1500 ladybugs for 6.95....? No kidding...I saw it this morning....and it said that the lady bug is the best way to get rid of pest....hummmm:)
Reading this was like looking at the family photo's...lol
very nice...thanks for the article...
{"commentId":10416289,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":10416705,"authorDomain":"pennid"}
I wish we could buy some virtual lady bugs to eat the "pests" on our articles.
{"commentId":10416705,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"pennid"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10416829,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10417421,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
Maybe I can do that....nibble....nibble....lol
{"commentId":10417421,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":10417470,"authorDomain":"pennid"}
Lady Bug, if you could rid the Vine of trolls, you would get not only the sixth leaf, but the undying gratitude of all. LOL
{"commentId":10417470,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"pennid"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10417519,"authorDomain":"redshadowlyingdownwithagreenbackground"}
1500 for $6.95 That is about 2 cents per bug. not bad. I did have several ladybugs around my house but it is geting cold so most are gone. I don't bother them, just try not to sit on them and keep them out of the kitchen.
{"commentId":10417519,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"redshadowlyingdownwithagreenbackground"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10417530,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
OK ...WOW I'll do my best.....{wink}
{"commentId":10417530,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":10417832,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10429839,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
Not at all...should I nibble?
{"commentId":10429839,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10430278,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10430551,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
I will....{smootches}
{"commentId":10430551,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10400901,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
Wonderful article and super cute bugs in the pictures, clipped to share more widely! :~)
{"commentId":10400901,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 5 votes
#5 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:20 PM EDT{"commentId":10417845,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10400992,"authorDomain":"caltha-palustris"}
The Seven Spot lady is a frequent visitor to my gardens.
Sidebar: At the moment, I have a cricket in the house, must have slipped in the back door when we weren't looking...and is now hiding out in my sunroom...I don't have the heart to find him and throw him outdoors (yes he's sending out his signature signal...in the middle of the night...no less)...but I will...
{"commentId":10400992,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"caltha-palustris"}
- 5 votes
#6 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:30 PM EDT{"commentId":10407935,"authorDomain":"skylark246"}
The Irish say a cricket on the hearth is good luck.
{"commentId":10407935,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"skylark246"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10409118,"authorDomain":"caltha-palustris"}
Yes, I've heard that piece of folklore.
When he entered the house a few weeks ago, he immediately set out to make house rounds...to none other than the fireplace hearth. I imagine it was too cold for the little guy, because he ventured back to my plant room and remained there.
Update: Last night I was sitting in the my plant sun room talking on the phone with a friend, and noticed him walking around. I thought to myself, "perhaps he's lonely and came to say hello." So I decided since it was quite warm outside, as I could hear other crickets chirping outdoors, to gently capture him and set him free to chirp away with his "clan". He's now outside where he really belongs. I hope he finds happiness, his chirp in recent days sounded labored and lonely.
{"commentId":10409118,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"caltha-palustris"}
- 5 votes
{"commentId":10416189,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10417855,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10402105,"authorDomain":"strider54"}
I learned something today, different numbers of spots means its a different type of bug. Thanks!
My advice? If all else fails get out the vacuum and use the hose on them.
{"commentId":10402105,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"strider54"}
- 4 votes
#7 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 9:09 PM EDT{"commentId":10416233,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10421963,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
My advice? If all else fails get out the vacuum and use the hose on them.
When my brother and I were kids he brought home a praying mantis cocoon and put it in a plastic terrarium with air vents on its lid. Well, soon the cocoon "hatched" and a boatload of little mantises found their ways out through the vents. This was definitely not cool in mom's house, and she promptly got her canister vacuum cleaner out and did exactly as you described.
Too funny!
{"commentId":10421963,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10423349,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10402823,"authorDomain":"ssvedin-swancreeklandscape-1"}
One of the better methods of control for the bad Beatles is the A-B method, it is non chemical. What you have not heard of the A-B method. It is simple, take brick A, but the bad bug on it, take brick B in other hand, smack them together, A-B method. Lady Bugs are not a candidate for the A-B method.
{"commentId":10402823,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"ssvedin-swancreeklandscape-1"}
- 3 votes
#8 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 10:16 PM EDT{"commentId":10402840,"authorDomain":"pennid"}
A primitive, but very effective method, and doesn't use electricity, therefore lowering your carbon footprint. Squash those bugs!
{"commentId":10402840,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"pennid"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10412542,"authorDomain":"curiousg"}
A primitive, but very effective method, and doesn't use electricity, therefore lowering your carbon footprint.
And, you're building up those pecs at the same time!
Thanks for the great article, Dowser.
{"commentId":10412542,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"curiousg"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10416341,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10422018,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
One of the better methods of control for the bad Beatles
Which ones were the bad Beatles? John, Paul, George, Ringo? Or Pete Best maybe? Stu Sutcliffe?
:-)
{"commentId":10422018,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10429881,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
a BAD beetle....tell me, this can't be true....oh my !
{"commentId":10429881,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10403523,"authorDomain":"alysmum"}
Dowser,
I found this on the front page at 11:15ish PM (EST) on 10/31/09. Kudos.
As usual, you've written a wonderfully informative article and taught me all sorts of useful things. Clearly worthy of the front page. Thanks so much for this piece!
I love Lady Bugs. I consider it a very good day whenever I come across one. Now I know a lot more about one of my favorite creatures.
Each Fall we have a beetle problem here. Our pests are Box Elder Beetles. They cover the Box Elder trees in the yard and then invade the house. They seem to be especially bad this Fall. My bedroom is full of them at the moment. They die fairly quickly, and my Beagle eats their bodies, but more keep coming. I'd love to trade them for some Lady Bugs.
{"commentId":10403523,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"alysmum"}
- 3 votes
#9 - Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:35 PM EDT{"commentId":10406995,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
Sydney - 5...I'd love to trade them for some Lady Bugs.
I'm not sure about a trade, but you can buy lady bugs to help with natural pest control at home.
{"commentId":10406995,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10414013,"authorDomain":"alysmum"}
Hi, Pamela Drew,
Thanks. I'll check out the link.
{"commentId":10414013,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"alysmum"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10416381,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10407016,"authorDomain":"paperdragon"}
Controlling ladybugs? Every ladybug I've ever seen in my home has been really passive.
{"commentId":10407016,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"paperdragon"}
- 6 votes
#10 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 9:54 AM EST{"commentId":10408163,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
Dennis
See #1.1 above for an instance when control was required.
:-)
{"commentId":10408163,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10407991,"authorDomain":"depantzd"}
{"commentId":10408208,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
Now that we've got ladybugs down, what can we do about the bees?
{"commentId":10408208,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 3 votes
#12 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 11:35 AM EST{"commentId":10412586,"authorDomain":"curiousg"}
Maybe some things are best left alone. :)
Peace and Health,
G
PS-Will wonders never cease. Did you ever think we'd be on the same side of an article!
{"commentId":10412586,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"curiousg"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":10412918,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
George
I love the photoshopped honeybee :-)
Can't remember how I voted on the poll, tho.
{"commentId":10412918,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10416487,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10416747,"authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
I pick them off the walls and throw them in the wastepaper basket, in between typing...also have you ever watched them race on the front porch rail? They are fast! One knocked another one off the rail....named her LadyBug :):):) she was a getting on....
{"commentId":10416747,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
- 2 votes
#13 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 9:00 PM EST{"commentId":10416838,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10416819,"authorDomain":"funstra"}
I've witnessed Lady Bug infestation en masse. Was rather alarming, they would appear in the stairwell of a government facility behind a locked door, every year, literally overnight, and the stench was quite horrible. Amazingly the infestation was handled organically, but for the life of me, I can't remember the name of the "fruit" which was used to rid the problem. Just can't remember the name of them. They're green and about the size of a grapefruit. Green and very lumpy, rather ugly things. They drop from the trees near the lakeshore. You put the "fruit" inside of a ladie's nylon stocking, and hang it from the ceiling. Also takes care of spider infestation. Is natural repellant.
{"commentId":10416819,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"funstra"}
- 3 votes
#14 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 9:05 PM EST{"commentId":10416924,"authorDomain":"depantzd"}
{"commentId":10416985,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10440083,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
Publius Redux...You're thinking of Osage Orange. Typical old wive's tale, as it turns out.
We know you love to go to bat for the petrochemical solutions Publius, but maybe Funstra is thinking of something else if your example is one case where the fruit doesn't work.
We can probably find lots that don't work, but we want to look for one that might, eh? Fruit and extracts do have repellant properties as we see from this patent.
Mosquito repellent isolated from Foeniculum vulgare fruit - United States Patent 7179479
The goal is not to rule out what we don't know as impossible, but to search for answers along with sharing information to learn. What we don't know always exceeds what we do know as individuals and as humanity collectively. Questioning is the only way to expand our knowledge.
Science Daily - September 26, 2009 - Fruit flies actually have a love-hate relationship with the smell of fruit. And a new insight into the chemistry of that attraction and repulsion could lead to novel repellents for other insects, researchers say.
{"commentId":10440083,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":10441207,"authorDomain":"depantzd"}
{"commentId":10442790,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10443756,"authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
Publius Redux...You certainly are offended by facts, PD. It's an old wive's tale. So what? It only makes it the more quaint, sort of like The Farmers Almanac. You fly off mad like someone offended your religion, or something.
Hardly accurate, you suggested that using fruit is nothing but a useless effort to repel insects and I added links and a patent to show it is not the case. There's verifiable science in the theory. It may seem that facts entered into a discussion is mad, but to each his own.
PR...No one even mentioned "petrochemical solutions" until you came stumbling in tonight.
It was just a note to acknowledge your unwavering support for agribusiness and toxic remedies that helps to give context to the quick quashing of any suggestion of possible, natural alternatives.
Publius Redux....Fruit may not repel bugs but facts seem to do a wonderful job of repelling kwackzalvers and conspiracy theorists
If you read the science article and patent details you see fruit can work as a repellant, but it's clearly ineffective eliminating industry shills promoting toxic answers as the only effective ones!
{"commentId":10443756,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"PamelaDrew"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10444086,"authorDomain":"skylark246"}
There are all kinds of solutions to bug problems that don't involve man-made chemicals, and many of them work well.
Do you know anything about "no-see-ums," biting gnats, sand flies, midges, etc.? They adore me and never bother my husband or daughter. And I am one of the 10% who cannot be helped with bug repellent. They are so tiny, they can come through the screens and cracks so they bite me even in bed. The only thing I can find that works is a night light with a sticky board and window sticky boards. I get these at Ace Hardware. I catch hundreds that way but I am still pretty miserable.
{"commentId":10444086,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"skylark246"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10444459,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10445520,"authorDomain":"skylark246"}
Thanks. I will try the insecticide on the screens. Have tried everything else.
{"commentId":10445520,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"skylark246"}
{"commentId":10446632,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10416910,"authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
Are you thinking of a Hedgeapple? In the olllllddddd days was used for insect repellant nasty things of course. not really a fruit don't think you should eat it....
Welcome Dowser enjoy your articles..LOL
{"commentId":10416910,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
- 1 vote
#15 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 9:11 PM EST{"commentId":10416995,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10417337,"authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
Oh I like to vote! If someone takes the time to write an interesting article/idea or bring one to the
Vine well I vote for it....better than some of the other sites they had some downer people :(
{"commentId":10417337,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
- 2 votes
#16 - Sun Nov 1, 2009 9:40 PM EST{"commentId":10417431,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10431274,"authorDomain":"skylark246"}
I am fascinated by all bugs with the exception of spiders. I can tolerate small spiders but not large ones. Since they eat mosquitoes, I am trying to make friends.
{"commentId":10431274,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"skylark246"}
#17 - Mon Nov 2, 2009 3:28 PM EST{"commentId":10431595,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10433594,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
I can tolerate small spiders but not large ones. Since they eat mosquitoes, I am trying to make friends.
I find small spiders fascinating, but I'm not fond of them setting up shop in my living area. Damn, what they can do with those webs. That they dine on insects is a definite plus.
As for the big ones like tarantulas, the farther away the better. During WWII my dad drew an assignment forecasting weather for cross-country military pilots, and the Army Air Corps stationed his unit in the Arizona desert. One time he found a tarantula in his bed, and I gotta say that would have scared the living @!$%# out of me! I think he whacked it with a boot or something. They got that urticating hair thing going on (six different flavors no less), and I don't want no part of that, nosireee bob.
Now the spiders I'm familiar with are loners, but a few years back I read a news article about social spiders. Seems they were miffed by us humans beating them at their own game by creating the World Wide Web so they got to work down in Texas (everything's big in Texas and spiders are apparently no exception) creating their own Web using their native medium.
Well. Arachnophobes you've been warned. Click this link at your own risk.
I'd love to have heard the converation between those two officers haha.
{"commentId":10433594,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10434135,"authorDomain":"skylark246"}
We were staying in a motel in a park once and found a scorpion in our bed. I think they have a tough outer shell and it was very difficult to kill. I would not have slept a wink if it had not been killed. I really think they are more dangerous than spiders.
{"commentId":10434135,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"skylark246"}
{"commentId":10434259,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10434404,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
About ten years ago I jetted out from my apartment in Manhattan for a spiritual retreat in the woods, oh maybe 50 miles north of San Francisco. I shared a cabin with another dude. Slob that I am, I tossed my clothes in pile next to my bed. Woke up in the morning and started picking up and a black scorpion about an inch and a half long fell out of my shorts onto the wooden floor.
Well. Being an East Coast suburbanite/cityslicker I'd never seen a live one before, but I knew what that mofo was the instant I saw him (her?). I got my sorry ass out of that damned cabin faster than greased lightning.
I can't remember what happened to the scorp, but I didn't get stung!
{"commentId":10434404,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10434756,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10434853,"authorDomain":"rickace"}
I dunno who was more scared, the scorp or me. We both got out alive. I think hehe.
{"commentId":10434853,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"rickace"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10434356,"authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
Ugh, shudder, spiders and scorpions next someone will start with the snakes eeekkkkk poor lady bug....
{"commentId":10434356,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"mstanley2265"}
- 1 vote
#18 - Mon Nov 2, 2009 5:48 PM EST{"commentId":10435143,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10437581,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
I'll charm those snakes.....{look into my eyes}
{"commentId":10437581,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":10437640,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10437648,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
I have a spider story for you...about 6 years ago, my husband was mowing the lawn when he backed into a large fire bush...that a Large Spirder has moved into...I was at the window just looking out, when I saw him jump off the mower and run like the devil him self was chasing him...the mow was still running and going toward the road as my husband was running towards the house...lol
He said it was the largest spider he had ever seen....Well you know that fire bush...he chopped it down that weekend....lol
{"commentId":10437648,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 2 votes
#19 - Mon Nov 2, 2009 9:08 PM EST{"commentId":10437686,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10446319,"authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
My daughter still teases him about the Killer Spider...LOL
{"commentId":10446319,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"lady-bug"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":10446650,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
{"commentId":10453989,"authorDomain":"funstra"}
Then why did it work? I was there. Two years in a row. They were gone in two days, as was the smell. and I AM an old WIFE, btw. the apples have to be "HUNG" to be effective. If you never tried it, how can you be positive that it couldn't possibly work?
{"commentId":10453989,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"funstra"}
- 1 vote
#20 - Tue Nov 3, 2009 5:02 PM EST{"commentId":10454025,"authorDomain":"funstra"}
Before this solution was arrived upon, the insects lingered for approximately a week, the stench, longer.
{"commentId":10454025,"threadId":"713750","contentId":"3445479","authorDomain":"funstra"}
- 1 vote
#21 - Tue Nov 3, 2009 5:04 PM EST{"commentId":10455265,"authorDomain":"mtmeyer1"}
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