That Was No Ladybug, That Was This Destructive Pest Invading Your KY Home
I've been told my whole life never to kill a ladybug because it's bad luck. I'm not the most superstitious person in the world, but I don't kill ladybugs, either. I find them harmless and interesting, not to mention among the more attractive of all the insects.
Additionally, these colorful creatures are actually beneficial for your garden or plants.
But ladybugs have gotten a bad rap over the years, but that's because they have an evil twin that is pretty much the OPPOSITE of beneficial. That nasty ladybug doppelgänger is known as an Asian lady beetle, and it's another in a long line of invasive pests that cause destruction.
Now I know planting season has come to an end, but many of you may have brought your plants inside for the winter. If so, you may run into this bothersome bug and all the harm it can do. It'll look just like a ladybug, but this guy will help you tell them apart.
Here's another fun surprise...Asian lady beetles--or Asian ladybugs--also bite. There's no need to panic, though. They're not poisonous, and they don't even draw blood. But still, who wants to be bitten by an insect? Frank Taylor returns to explain why they might bite:
Asian lady beetles destroy healthy gardens and plants. And sometimes, they might even EAT ladybugs. But here's the big deterrent for me, based on what I learned from Summit Turf Services:
They leave a foul-smelling yellow liquid that wards off predators but is awful to have in your home.
I don't mind finding ladybugs in the house--I haven't--but I don't want whatever odor the evil twins emit anywhere near me. I appreciate they use it to ward off predators, much like a skunk, but leave all that nasty crap outside please.
In fact, just stay out of my house, altogether. Please and thank you.
LOOK: 20 of the biggest insects in the world
Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale