Ladybugs in your house? Here's how you can help them
Although ladybugs, the official bug of Delaware, are in their prime during the spring and summer months, you may have noticed an influx of them in your home this fall season.
The black-and-red beetles are looking for a warm place to be, and many are looking for a human's house to crash in this season.
So, why should humans keep them around?
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Why are there so many ladybugs?
Usually, groups of ladybugs, otherwise known as lady or ladybird beetles, like to pick a house to go into together and take it over during the winter months to keep warm. Other bugs like spiders do this, too, to prepare for the cold season.
The beetles are attracted to heat, and they may be beneficial to keep around the house.
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Yes, humans may be opposed to letting the beetles find shelter in their homes, but they can provide a favor in return, which is eating pesky pests around the house.
Houseplants are one of the biggest benefactors of the ladybugs, especially since they are considered predators of aphids, which are a known pest to plants.
The environment they enjoy is moist and warm, and there's no way of predicting which house they may decide to call their home this winter season.
If you spot the spotted beetles, they can live in the home up until spring, when they'll want to go outside again. Many will die, but some live and go back out and continue doing their duty to society: eating pests in your garden out back and also on farms.
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What does it mean when a ladybug lands on you?
In many cultures, ladybugs represent good luck, according to National Geographic. Their spotted exteriors are meant to keep away predators and are a sign of healthy gardens.
Weirdly enough, ladybugs have even been sent into space by NASA to see if aphids could escape them in space.
So, if you're thinking about kicking the beetles out of your house this season, letting them stay may benefit both parties.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Why you should let ladybugs stay in your home this winter
