Our problems with them peaked about 5 years ago, either a drought year
killed off the aphids that the ladybugs feed on, or the latest pesticides on
the crops, in any case I don't see that many ladybugs anymore.
In fall they look for a place to hibernate for the winter (like inside walls
and attics). They prefer white sunny surfaces. So put your equipment box
on the north side, don't paint it white, and seal up all the cracks where
they can get in. Maybe put some screen or pantyhose over any vent openings.
Are these NEMA 4 boxes, or just rainproof?
I assume you have the orange Asian variety that bite and stink if you scare
them. If Trump is elected, I expect he will deport them and then build a
wall to keep them out. If you have the native red ladybugs, they are good
bugs and you should welcome them and take it as a good omen. Even the
orange ones don't eat your stuff or lay eggs, but they squirt smelly liquid
if scared. Most people advise vacuuming them and throwing out the bag.
What I hate are the earwigs which leave earwig poop everywhere. We also
have trouble with the box elder beetles.
Any pesticide would have to be applied where they would die before getting
into your box. Killing them inside the box probably doesn't accomplish
anything.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jay Weekley
Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2015 10:19 PM
To: Animal Farm
Subject: [AFMUG] Lady bug deterrent
Does anyone know of a way to keep lady bugs out of your equipment
boxes? Mothballs? Flee collars? Those mosquito repellent bracelets?
Oh, Mr. Fuller, we have lady bugs in our equipment box at Helicon.
