These cute insects attract with their vibrant hues, but it also comes to mind that Do Ladybugs Bite? Find the answer below.
Ladybugs, with their bright colors and cute appearance, are often considered harmless insects. However, there is a common question among people about Do Ladybugs Bite? Or not.
Common Name: Ladybugs
Scientific Name: Coccinellidae
Size: 0.3 to 0.4 inches
Type: Invertebrates
Read: Symbolic Reasons Why Ladybugs Are Good Luck
What are Ladybugs?
Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles or lady beetles, are a favorite insect species, with approximately 5,000 different types found worldwide. The seven-spotted ladybug, with its shiny red and black body, is the most commonly recognized in North America. It is often viewed as a symbol of good fortune in various cultures.
They are not only admired for their beauty but also for their ability to control aphids and other plant-eating pests. A single ladybug can devour up to 5,000 insects throughout its lifespan. With oval-shaped bodies and six short legs, ladybugs can be spotted, striped, or unmarked, depending on the species. The common seven-spotted ladybug, for example, features a red or orange body with three spots on either side and one in the middle, along with a black head and white patches on either side.
Although ladybugs are helpful in controlling pest species outdoors, they can be problematic indoors and may even bite. While their bites are not typically dangerous, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to them.
Read: What Does it Mean When a Ladybug Lands on You?
Do Ladybugs Bite?
Ladybugs have attractive, colorful patterns, but they can bite or pinch humans, causing skin welts in those who are allergic to them.
They have sharp mouthparts that can bite humans, although they usually prefer not to. When threatened, they may bleed on a person, emitting a strong odor that deters predators.
In 2004, an entomologist conducted a study where he placed 641 beetles in 11 different plastic containers and put his hand inside to see if the ladybugs would bite him. The study found that 26 percent of the beetles bit him, and they were more likely to bite areas without hair. Ladybugs of the female gender exhibited a slightly higher tendency to bite compared to males, indicating that they may mistake human skin for other substances they feed on.
Do all ladybugs bite?
Ladybugs, including the common Harmonia axyridis beetle, possess mandibles and legs that theoretically enable them to bite or pinch humans. The most commonly found species in the United States include;
- The Asian lady beetle (orange ladybug),
- Ladybug beetles
- Ladybird beetles
Which have been extensively studied for their biting behavior. Additionally, these species are known for invading homes.
What Does a Ladybug Bite Look Like?
When a ladybug bites, it leaves a small red bump that appears raised. This is because the body reacts to the plant or fungus residue that the ladybug carries in its mouth.
Are ladybugs poisonous?
Ladybugs are known for their beneficial role in controlling pests, especially the Harmonia axyridis species. This type of ladybug, also known as the Asian lady beetle or ladybird, was introduced to North America in 1916 to help control crop-destroying aphids. However, in 1988, their population began to increase, leading to some problems. While still beloved for their vibrant colors, ladybugs may now also be considered a potential pest.
Do ladybugs pose any other dangers?
When Ladybugs bite, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to the proteins found in their bodies, which can lead to breathing difficulties and swelling of the lips and air passage (known as angioedema), as per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). These proteins have also been identified in the German cockroach, another insect that is known to cause allergic reactions.
What attracts ladybugs?
During fall and winter, ladybugs tend to invade people’s homes in search of warmth. They will hibernate there until early spring. To prevent ladybugs from entering your home, you can take the following steps:
Make sure to close all doors and windows. You can use door sweeps, thresholds, or weather stripping to prevent ladybugs from entering through doorways. You can use high-quality silicone or acrylic latex caulk to seal gaps in windows.
Examine alternate entry points, like openings where meters, wires, television cables, and pipes enter your home. Seal these openings using caulk, expandable foams, steel wool, or copper mesh.
Plant flowers are famous for repelling ladybugs, like mums and lavender, naturally. You can grow these plants inside your home.
How to Prevent Ladybugs in Home
When ladybugs are threatened, they often release a yellowish blood-like fluid from their joints, a process called reflexive bleeding. This fluid has an unpleasant odor and may contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, it’s better to avoid crushing ladybugs, especially if you have an allergy to them.
Tips for treating ladybugs
- Spray insecticides like; cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, tralomethrin, or cypermethrin outdoors. If you’re uncertain about how to apply them, it’s best to contact a pest professional.
- Light traps can be set up inside your home to attract ladybugs. Once the bright light lures them, you can release them outside your home.
- Sweeping up dead ladybugs is also an option.
- You can also use diatomaceous earth around windows and doors in your home. This sediment contains silica that can dry out and kill ladybugs.
- While some people use products with lemon to deter ladybugs, there’s no definitive proof that they are effective at killing them.
- If ladybugs do manage to enter your home, you can manually remove them using a vacuum cleaner or by sweeping them up. Be gentle to avoid crushing them, as they can release a yellowish fluid that can stain surfaces.
- Inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, or openings where ladybugs can enter. Pay attention to areas around windows, doors, utility pipes, and vents. Seal these openings using caulk, weatherstripping, or door sweeps to prevent ladybugs from getting inside.