7 Interesting Facts About Lady Bugs – wonderful to find in any garden; ladybugs are very beneficial because they eat several different garden pests. These pests include leafhoppers, psyllid, spider mites, flea beetle, and more. Without these bright red insects flying around your home, there would be more pests in your garden. Interested in learning more about ladybugs? Here are 7 interesting facts about ladybugs!
1. Why do they call them Lady Bugs?
The name ladybug was originally called “ladybird”. Originated in Britain where the insects became known as “Our Lady’s bird” or the Lady beetle. Mary (Our Lady) was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early paintings, and the spots of the seven-spot ladybird (the most common in Europe) were said to symbolize her seven joys and seven sorrows.
2. There are almost 400 different kinds of ladybugs in North America.
With several hundred species of ladybugs living in North America, it can be difficult to identify which one is protecting your garden. Depending on the species, they may also be a different color than red.
3. Ladybugs smell with their feet and antennae.
The use of special organs on their feet allows ladybugs to smell using their feet. Similarly, to other insects, the ladybug also uses its antennae for the smell. This allows them to sense a predator nearby.
4. They are small, but female ladybugs can eat as many as 75 aphids in one day.
Their ability to eat dozens of aphids a day is one of the primary reasons they are welcomed into every garden. Aphids cause millions of dollars of damages to crop every year and ladybugs help to keep their populations down. Without them, aphids would have total control of your garden.
5. Their Spots Serve as a Warning.
Ladybug spots are an evolved defense mechanism. The spots, along with the bright color of their body, warn potential predators that eating a ladybug will result in a disgusting, and possibly poisonous, taste.
6. They Have Hidden Wings.
You may not see these wings while they are crawling around, however, when frightened these small creatures can take flight. Their wings are located on their back. Even though it looks like they have a shell protecting them, those are their wings.
7. They May Eat Their Own Eggs.
When prey is in short supply ladybugs have been known to eat their own eggs. This is not a common occurrence, but it does happen.
If they are good for the environment, then why does U.S. Pest treat them?
Due to their large numbers, they can quickly infest a home. Ladybugs are known to be serious winter pests. This is due to their ability to send signals to other ladybugs, alerting them to a good over-winter location. Even though these insects may be good for your garden, they can become a serious nuisance within your home. The reason U.S. Pest treat them within homes is due to the fact that they can become a serious nuisance. If a home has a large number of ladybugs living within its walls it may lead to them kicking up a lot of the dust hiding in those areas. Over time this can lead to onset asthma attacks for those that have respiratory issues.
Are you finding a lot of ladybugs within your home? Call the professionals at U.S. Pest. Call 615-822-8500
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