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| Academic
Standards for Environment and Ecology |
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4.5. Integrated
Pest Management
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Congratulations to:
| Mercer County |
Lisa Theodorson |
| Butler County |
Jim Moore |
| Carbon County |
Beth Sheckler |
| Huntingdon County |
Blake Stewart |
| Delaware
County |
Kevin Boyle |
| York County |
Brian Blum |
| Dauphin
County |
Stephanie Garber,
Andrea Black |
| Venango County |
Sue Leese, Larry
Spencer |
| Bucks County |
Cindy Unangst |
| Montgomery
County |
Kim Kaufman,
Ji Ah Lee, Elisa Kim, Steve Rosner, April, Gloria Ruskiewicz
Brown,
Owen Cleaver, Susan Spiegel, Justin Schizzor, Matt
Kaufman |
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~
Sean Matthew Kelso, Brian
Brotman, Kevin
Spencer |
for submitting the correct answer!
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Asian
lady beetles are attracted to sunlight reflecting
off
of the south and southwest sides of buildings. They
are especially attracted to light-colored structures. |
This
behavior is similar to that displayed by the beetles
in their native Japan.
There the beetles congregate on south-facing cliffs. They
are looking for cracks and crevices in which to spend the winter. |
The
multicolored Asian lady beetle was first introduced
into the United States by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture as a natural biological control (they are great
predators
of garden pests). In
Pennsylvania, they were released in 1978 and 1981.
However, large populations here and in other states were
not recorded until 1993, and
were probably introduced accidentally from an Asian
freighter in New Orleans. |
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Although
the Asian lady beetles are very beneficial for our
crops and other plants, they become pests when
they invade
our homes in huge numbers beginning in the fall. They
may overwinter in attics, walls, or ceilings. Unlike
our native ladybugs, these beetles can bite! They also
secrete an unpleasant smelling yellow liquid when alarmed
that can stain walls or
ceilings. A few people have even reported an allergic
reaction to this liquid.
However,
these lady beetles do no structural damage to homes. They do
not feed on clothing, furniture, or our food as do some other
pests. They do not reproduce in buildings and do not carry
diseases. |
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PREVENTION AND CONTROL * * |
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The
best way to keep the lady beetles from becoming household
pests is to prevent them from entering in the fall.
To do this, use caulking to seal up any exterior cracks
or crevices. |
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Once
the beetles have entered the structure, they may spend
the winter in ceilings or wall spaces without entering
living areas of the home. However, if the beetles do
become active and emerge into rooms, try to find where
they are coming out from and seal the entry-way. |
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Sweeping
and vacuuming are effective removal methods. If using
a vacuum remember to empty the bag frequently. |
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Lady
beetles are attracted to light, so light traps may
be used to capture them. Traps can be purchased from
a pest control company, or, if you're more ambitious, you
can build your own. This one was developed by
USDA scientists in Georgia and captures insects
without harming them so they can be released outside. Trap
Instructions |
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Insecticides
are generally not recommended for controlling lady
beetles. If the infestation is enormous, consult a
professional exterminator. |
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Try to think of
some other household pests. Do these pests only have negative
effects, or are they beneficial in some ways as well?
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