Will Crushing Lady Beetles (Ladybugs) Attract More?

 

Crushing lady beetles (also known as ladybugs) can actually attract more of them to the area. When these beetles are crushed, they release a special chemical called an "alarm pheromone." This is a natural scent used by insects to signal danger to others of their own kind or as a defense mechanism. Although the primary purpose of this scent is to warn other lady beetles to stay away, the effect is often the opposite: it can draw in more lady beetles who are attracted to the same scent because it's associated with finding other beetles, shelter, or places to gather.

 

Understanding Alarm Pheromones

 

When lady beetles feel threatened or are squished, they let out an orange, foul-smelling liquid from their legs. This is called "reflex bleeding," and within it are the alarm pheromones. Pheromones are chemicals insects use to communicate. In this case, when these pheromones are released, they can linger on surfaces where beetles have been crushed.

Other lady beetles in the area can detect these pheromones and may become curious or attracted, coming to investigate. This can lead to even more lady beetles entering your home or gathering where others have been crushed.

 

What Happens if You Crush a Lady Beetle Indoors?

 

If you crush lady beetles inside your house, the lingering smell will not only be unpleasant, but it may also:

• Attract other lady beetles to the same spot, leading to persistent or growing infestations
• Cause staining on walls, carpets, or surfaces because of the colored liquid they release
• Signal to even more beetles outside your home that it's a good spot to enter or congregate

 

What Should You Do Instead?

 

Instead of crushing lady beetles, it is best to:

• Gently sweep or vacuum them up (using a hose attachment or a vacuum with a bag that can be emptied outside immediately)
• Catch them in a cup or container and bring them outdoors, far from your home
• Seal cracks or entry points in your windows, doors, and foundations to prevent new beetles from entering
• Use physical barriers, like screens, to keep them outside

 

Additional Tips

 

• Do not use harsh chemicals or pesticides where lady beetles are present indoors, as this can kill them and still lead to pheromone release
• If you must handle them, use gloves to avoid staining your hands and to minimize stress to the beetle, which reduces the chance of them releasing odors

In summary, crushing lady beetles often leads to attracting more, produces an unpleasant odor, and can create stains. The best approach is gentle removal and prevention to keep your space free of unwanted lady beetle invasions.