Lady Bugs

With their distinctive coloring and black dots, the ladybugs are easily identifiable among the classes of species in Austin, Texas. However, just because they are easy to identify, it doesn’t mean they’ll be easy to eliminate. It doesn’t make them any less of a threat either. And yes, they do pose the threat of annoyance. While they might not be physically dangerous, you certainly don’t want these multi-colored beetles lingering around the property.

Ladybug Description

One of the things that make the ladybug so easily identifiable is its distinctive shape. Sure, they have a distinctive coloring pattern, but their shape is just as unique. With a flat underside and a dome-shaped back, these beautiful beetles stand out. While most people identify with the ladybug being red with black dots, you need to know these pests can appear in a whole slew of color patterns. The markings on their elytra can be yellow, orange, red, or with the traditional black dots.

The ladybug tends to walk on its shorter legs and has an antenna that is shaped like a baseball bat, being smaller at the end. The head of the beetle is usually located right under the pronotum. Their mouthparts are also specifically designed for effective chewing as compared to other common pests.

The Ladybug Diet

One thing that a lot of people don’t know about the ladybug is they are predators You’d be surprised at the list of insects that this smaller bug preys on. In fact, this is one of the distinct reasons the ladybug is a preferred insect of the farmer. Farmers from all around Austin, Texas love and praise the ladybug because of their insect-consuming abilities. These bugs are oftentimes released into gardens and large commercial farms where there are aphid problems. While the ladybug will quickly clear up your aphid problems, it should be noted that it will also wreak some havoc of its own.

The adult ladybug can consume a few hundred aphids in a short time, but they can also do large-scale damage to your garden plants and houseplants. If left unchecked, the ladybug can do just as much damage as the insects they commonly prey on. Some of these being whiteflies and mites. Some classifications of the lady are also attracted to mildew and fungus.

The Ladybug Defense

Another thing that makes the ladybug completely unique from the other insects they are commonly associated with is their natural defenses. These bugs are equipped with natural defenses like the reflex bleed. This is an ability that lets them release a substance from their joints. This substance is referred to as hemolymph and is considered toxic. Especially to other insects. Going back to those dots and bright colors on the ladybug, these aren’t there just for looks.

These tell other predators that the ladybugs can secret such toxins and should be avoided at all costs. In addition to this, the ladybug tends to lay infertile eggs alongside the fertile ones, so the larvae can feed on them. With over 5,000 known species spread across the world, you’ll find upwards of 500 of these indigenous to the North American region. Regardless, identifying and removing all these species is certainly no easy task. Especially not when you consider that each different classification might require different removal approaches.

Therefore, identification and removal are best left to the pros. Give our Austin office a call any time you feel necessary, and we’ll be more than glad and capable of fulfilling your needs. Whether it is assistance you need, emergency services, or just have a few minor questions, feel free to reach out to us.

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