We first began to notice one or two in the various rooms of the monastery. Then, one morning our two wood carvers went out to the wood carving shop after an extended absence. One of the Sisters happened to look up as she walked through the door and noticed something unusual. It turned out to be dozens of ladybugs snuggled next to each other trying to keep warm.
After checking with the local county extension office, we discovered why there have been so many \”ladybug sightings\” in the area.
The Asian Ladybug (pictured above) is orange or other colors instead of the traditional red. Thousands of them were imported into our country in the 20th century, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. They are very beneficial bugs, as gardeners know so well. They loved to eat aphids which are a plague to roses.
\”Lady bugs are also referred to as “lady beetles” or “lady bird beetles.”Lady beetles are insects that are considered beneficial and are not invading your home to cause problems, only to stay warm. You should know the lady beetle are not interested in eating your walls, furniture, carpet, or human food, and they do not lay eggs in homes.While they cause no harm, their overwintering inside people’s homes causes them to be somewhat of a nuisance.
No “control” of these beneficial insects is warranted. The lady beetle is an effective and natural control for harmful plant pests such as aphids, scale, and other soft-bodied arthropods. One adult lady beetle may eat over 5,000 aphids during its lifetime.
So, if you notice any of these sweet creatures just pick them up and put them on a plant!☺☺☺
Dominican Life on Lotus Lane 