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lucky23
Starting Member
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
 Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 10:11:16
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A significant number of ladybirds are entering my house through gaps around the garden facing sash windows. I believe that one of my neighbours introduced these insects as a 'natural pest control' measure however it appears they have now multiplied and seem to want to come inside the house.
I am keen to rid myself of these pests. I would be grateful of any advice that users of this forum can offer.
Many thanks in advance |
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blatta
Senior Member
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 11:03:37
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Ladybirds are not generally considered to be pests and are usually considered to be beneficial. Most gardeners would say the more the merrier!
I am unsure as to how many a 'significant number' are, could you let us know approximately what numbers you are talking about. They will be overwintering in the cracks around you sash windows.
Personally I would leave them alone and maybe open the window occasionally to flick them out! Maybe you could post a load of them to me so that I could release them in my garden (depending on which species (native only please)). |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
802 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 11:44:45
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Do they have the white "M" type marking on them if so Harlequin Ladybirds, illegally introduced into UK.
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2005/march/news_3416.html
They are a threat to our natural ladybirds.
Hoover them up apply a crack and crevice insecticide, (Brand name excluded) available supermarkets.
These ones will bite.
Pests are smart - We're smarter
www.rpcwildlife.co.uk |
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lucky23
Starting Member
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 11:51:26
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| Thanks. I assumed they were coming from the back of the house, but you're probably right that they're in the window gaps. I will look into the crack and crevice insecticide. Any advice for filling the gaps? |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
802 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 11:55:04
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I would only use the insecticide if they are harlequins. Otherwise they are ours and hibernating until spring time.
You could use a foam or silicon to seal gaps.
Pests are smart - We're smarter
www.rpcwildlife.co.uk |
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blatta
Senior Member
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 14:29:54
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Lucky23
Please take Nicks advice, only use an insecticide if they are Harlequin Ladybirds. Follow the above link for a better identification. |
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lucky23
Starting Member
United Kingdom
3 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 14:44:46
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| They are just common ladybirds. Not so cute once you see 100. I will avoid any hardcore insecticide - maybe just go for some combination of a supermarket sourced insect killer, vacuum cleaner, and some gap filler. Thanks for your help |
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blatta
Senior Member
United Kingdom
134 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 14:58:23
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| So farewell then Ladybirds |
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NickA
Hyperactive Member
United Kingdom
802 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 17:29:04
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Could you not stop them entering house by using sellotape to gaps. When warm weather occurs and lady birds migrate to outside then seal.
If it had been Harlequins killing them no bother but our own are as Lewis pointed out beneficial and at best a mild problem.
You might want to look at this site as well.
http://www.ladybird-survey.org/
Pests are smart - We're smarter
www.rpcwildlife.co.uk |
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splatman
Junior Member
United Kingdom
26 Posts |
Posted - 19 Feb 2007 : 21:15:23
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| Why bother with insecticides at all, proof gaps by all means, put up some net curtains to stop them entering the house, wait till summer... problem over, and you will benefit by not having any nasties chewing away at your prize begonias!! |
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Please help - Ladybird infestation
