I have ladybugs entering the house via the soffits on the 3rd floor. The 3rd floor is unfinished.
Terminix, pest control company sprayed the required solution on the soffits from the ground floor.
Is there something else that I can do to prevent this from happening (e.g. put a screen on the soffits. It may not be easy putting this from the inside). It would be best if I can do the required solution without removing the soffits.
Thanks in advance
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Replies
Just to clarify. Are the soffits open? If not what are they covered with now that the ladybugs are able to get through?
These are the perforated soffits. Nothing covers them
Is the soffit plywood, aluminum, vinyl? I have often thought about how to keep the bugs out. It would require a lot of detail and silicone.
What is the exterior of the house - siding, brick, etc.?
We here in western PA have been inundated with what looks like lady bugs, but they are some kind of beetle.
Dave Otto -- Otto Construction -- PA
Dave,Ladybugs are a member of the beetle family.Bill
I did not know that, but it makes sense.
The bugs look like lady bugs, but they are not lady bugs. i do not know what the differences are, but in ones house, they are still bugsDave Otto -- Otto Construction -- PA
we alway added a window screen, the heavy metal type before installing the soffit grills
Is there some way to retrofit the window screens. I would think there is ow noway to put the window screens on an already installed soffit
I get the rolled fabric screening stuff and staple it tight across and around the exposed rafter ends and top plate before covering it with a perforated soffit.
Been known to use some caulking also if needed to close up a small area wear it might be possible for a small critter like that to find it's way.
Ideally it's a one time installation so the little extra effort is worth the price of admission.
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Thanks for the article.
DaveDave Otto -- Otto Construction -- PA
These critters live in the soybean fields around here during the growing season. When the soybeans are harvested, the most of them take refuge in the cornfields for a while looking for sustenance. That only lasts a couple weeks tops because what they desire isn't there. Then they make for the nearby houses/buildings. They come by the millions....literally.
And....... they bite. Nothing like a nice warm autumn day on a second story ladder getting bit on the neck, face and arms about once every three seconds. It'll drive a guy to insanity in about two hours flat. <G>
Last year ....they weren't nearly as bad as the previous ten years or so. Early & very timely deep frost that whacked them before they made for the shelter of the buildings......or so it would seem anyway.
they're not the lady beetles you grew up with, this species is new to N. America, asian variety I think, they swarm in large numbers, bite and have a tendency to cluster in their overwintering locations ..
Thanks for the article
You're welcome.
Unfortunately, the article won't keep them out of your house or shop. <G>
Around here.......think biblical plague......and use a shovel to pitch 'em outta the door. lol
THe soffit is vinyl. The sidings are also vinyl