Garden Detective

This cool shot of a ladybug hanging out with dew drops is from the AP.

Coccinella septempunctata, or ladybird beetles, are one of the few insects that aren't considered creepy by most people, kids included. Maybe fireflies, too, but that's it. Somehow, most people wouldn't think twice about squishing a spider in their home, but they'll gently carry a lady beetle outdoors to safety. Maybe it's because they're cute. They don't bite or sting, but neither do cicadas and they gross out a lot of people.

Ladybird beetles, affectionately referred to as ladybugs (though they can be either male or female), generally appear in large numbers in the fall, on light-colored and illuminated objects. They seem to prefer southwestern-facing objects and might make their way into homes through cracks and windows. They hibernate indoors until the spring, so you might be seeing some in your house right now. Those likely haven't been able to find their way outdoors.

If you find any, put them out in your garden, where they'll dine on aphids, mealy bugs, mites and scale insects, serving as a natural and very effective means of pest control. By design, ladybugs lay their eggs as close as possible to the nearest aphid colony, ensuring a steady supply of food for their predatory young and happy plants for you.

Have a aphid problem? You can purchase ladybugs at some garden supply shops, by catalog and online. I found a pack of 900 for $13.95 at Gardens Alive! (the exlamation point is part of their name.) From the website: "One package of about 900 Sta-Home adults will produce more than 10,000 pest-eating larvae in your garden within 30 days! We ship at the proper time for your area or on the date you specify."

However, if you get a crazy big swarm of them in your house come fall, like a friend of mine did for no apparent reason aside from they probably were looking for a warm place to stay, you might have no choice other than to vacuum them up. Be sure to empty the bag immediately, because when they're stressed out they release a nasty-smelling substance that will be nearly impossible to eradicate. Best to do this outdoors.