New Jersey residents are no strangers to the wildlife that sometimes wanders into their homes. However, this weekend’s sudden spike in temperature to the 80s brought not just summer-like conditions, but also an unusual number of ladybugs indoors. While many see these red and black spotted beetles as cute or even beneficial, their increased presence has some people scratching their heads and wondering why ladybugs seem to flock inside on warm, sunny fall days.
“We had ladybugs everywhere,” one commenter said on social media. “They just piled up in the corner of the ceiling and just kept coming.:”
One of the most compelling reasons behind this phenomenon is the ladybugs’ instinctual preparation for winter. As cold weather approaches, they search for a warm and protected space to hibernate. Your home, particularly the south or west-facing walls that receive the most sunlight, offers an ideal environment for these beetles to settle down for the winter months.
Ladybugs are attracted to light-colored surfaces and warmth. A house that is well-lit and warmed by the sun can become a magnet for these insects, especially during transitional seasons like fall when temperatures outside can fluctuate.
One benefit of having ladybugs around is their diet. They consume garden pests such as aphids and can serve as a natural form of pest control. If they have entered your home, it could indicate an aphid problem in your garden that the ladybugs are trying to manage.
If you’d rather not have ladybugs inside, you can take preventative measures to minimize their entry. Sealing cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and siding can make it harder for them to find a way in. Another tip is to use shades or blinds on the sunniest sides of your house during peak ladybug activity hours to make the indoor environment less inviting.
While the sight of ladybugs inside your New Jersey home can be surprising, understanding their motives can make the experience less unsettling.