Lady Beetles, or Lady Bugs, are very beneficial insects in the garden. They often make a meal of harmful insects such as aphids and spider mites. But when the temperature drops, Lady Bugs have been known to gather in mass and seek shelter inside homes.
These beneficial bugs do not cause damage, and may just be your lucky charm for success in next year’s garden. Encourage native species of Lady Bugs to stay in your garden by controlling ant populations (who may attack Lady Bugs) and limit uses of chemical insecticides, which kill not only harmful but also beneficial bugs.
Originally published on September 8th, 2010. Updated on September 4th, 2019.