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Tennesseans See Influx Of Ladybugs

Posted at 5:50 PM, Nov 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-06 20:44:17-05

Homeowners have taken on the battle against swarms of ladybugs infesting their homes.

"I call them uninvited guests. They're a true beetles even if most refer to them as a ladybug," said David Cook.

Home videos have infiltrated social media over the weekend as "Asian beetles" flocked to find shelter after a cold snap.

Cook said, "Once you turn your heat on, they fly to your house and they find a way to get under your door through your window, you got to make sure you find a way to practice what they call exclusion principles and that's difficult." 

He said they were struggling with the issue at the University of Tennessee Soil, Plant, and Pest Center.

Over the weekend, thousands of ladybugs were seen in the area.

"There were thousands of the multi-colored lady Asian beetles flying around so they were coming to this building to do what they do, seek out shelter for the wintertime," Cook said.

According to the experts, the Hackberry Trees had a black mold on them which brought in more bugs that ladybugs like to eat. 

"They've had an abundant source of food so the population has exploded this year," he said.

Farmers and gardeners need ladybugs to eat the bugs that kill certain vegetation.

Cook said, "It's kind of like children. Sometimes they behave well, sometimes they don't." 

To prevent a ladybug infestation next year, make sure your windows and doors are sealed tight. 

Cook said if they're already in your house it's too late. The experts recommend vacuuming them, and then dumping the remains outside.

Cook said, "We could recommend a chemical preventative treatment, we could spray insecticides not inside but on the outside around the door, the window, where you think they might be trying to get in." 

Ladybugs are also attracted to light. Cook said if the light shines through a crack in your door, that could be an entry point for them. 

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