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Seven-spotted lady bug, lady beetle, in Wisconsin

Ladybug

Actual Size: 0.8-18 mm

Characteristics: Bright red shells with black spots, black heads, and small white “cheeks.”

Legs: 6

Antennae: Yes

Wings: Two pairs of wings

Habitat: Prefers to live in gardens, shrubs, and trees near houses. Sometimes they will overwinter (hibernate) in protected areas of homes and buildings.

Habits:

  • They find entry points through wall openings, such as electrical outlets.
  • Considered beneficial to the environment since they eat harmful insects.
  • One single ladybug can eat 5,000 aphids throughout its lifetime.

Ladybugs in Wisconsin

Otherwise known as lady beetles or ladybird beetles, you’ll often spot ladybugs fluttering around your gardens, trees, and shrubs in Wisconsin. These little red-and-black insects are hard at work keeping your green spaces healthy by munching on troublesome pests like aphids. One ladybug can gobble up to 5,000 aphids in its life!

However, when the cold Wisconsin winter rolls in, these beetles sometimes seek refuge in the cozy corners of our homes and buildings, a place for them to hibernate until spring. Although they may surprise you in and around your home, they’re simply looking for a warm spot to overwinter.

Ladybug Habitat

Ladybugs aren’t just countryside dwellers, they also live in cities and suburbs. These insects prefer gardens and leafy trees, where they’re never far from their next aphid feast. Ladybugs lay their eggs right where aphids are plentiful, so their young have sustenance as soon as they hatch. When it’s time to hibernate, they’ll congregate in secluded spots where they can spend the winter undisturbed.

Ladybug Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

We can appreciate ladybugs for their appetite for pests that wreak havoc on plants. However, their presence can be less than ideal when they find their way into our homes in search of a winter getaway. These beetles come equipped with a pheromone signal that calls their friends to join them in their hibernation spot. This can lead to an unexpected gathering that might be larger than anticipated, turning into a full-blown infestation.

Ladybugs are not considered dangerous, since they don’t carry disease or venom. Ladybugs do bite people when they’re threatened – but it’s uncommon and they won’t break the skin. However, some may experience allergic reactions from their bites.

Should you find ladybugs around your Wisconsin property, don’t fret. Call your local pest control expert right away to take care of infestations.

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