It Is the Time of Year For New York To Be Invaded by Beetles

I can't be the only person that this happened to this weekend. But now that I have done some research, I may have been a beacon for this invasion. Earlier today, I came home and was puttering around inside and outside. Can't miss the opportunity to get things done on a great Fall weather day.

The clouds started to roll in, and you could feel the air getting thicker. As you know, we are expecting some storms, but what I was not expecting was a swarm. It was like something out of a horror film. Instead of The Birds, we would call it The Bugs.

Reports of Lady Beetles Are Popping Up All Over the Hudson Valley

I had made a trip inside from the driveway when my husband noticed that I had a ladybug on my shirt. We thought it was cute and made a few jokes. I then said; Where do you think I picked up a Ladybug? And then, as if on cue, we noticed that outside our screened-in porch, hundreds were flying around. It was like the wind blew them in.

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Suddenly, they were on every outside wall, doorway, and window. When we opened the doors in disbelief, we could keep them from coming in. That is when we also realized that they weren't Ladybugs, they were actually Asian Lady Beetles. There is a big difference, which the Spruce does a great job explaining. It was crazy, suddenly they were in the air everywhere and landing on everything.

Why Are Lady Beetles Swarming Houses in the Hudson Valley

So what was happening? I had no clue, so I did a bit of research, and apparently, they are looking for a place to winter. According to sources online, this is the time of year they are looking for a winter home, and mine meets two or three popular requirements: Southwest sun exposure, light color walls with black shutters, and close to the woods.

I may have to take a page from The Spurce if it's not too late. They suggest you vacuum them up, place black light traps in places, spray insecticide, seal gaps around windows and doors, and, the one I could have done so easily, but it may be too late, plant mums in my garden. Hudson Valley Garden Centers, here I come.