Ladybugs have long been surrounded by myths and folklore. Across cultures, these spotted beetles are often seen as symbols of luck, love, and even wish-granting.

In Canada, there’s a belief that if a ladybug lands on you, you can make a wish—and when it flies away, your wish will be carried off to come true. In Europe, some say if a ladybug lands on your hand, marriage will follow within the year. And here in the U.S., finding one in the house is often thought to bring good luck.

But are ladybugs really lucky? Or are these beloved bugs a little more complicated than the myths suggest? Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Ladybugs Bring Good Luck

The truth: Not exactly.

While the idea is charming, luck has nothing to do with it. The “ladybugs” that most New York homeowners see indoors are actually multicolored Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis). These beetles were introduced to the U.S. decades ago to help farmers control crop pests like aphids.

Although they’re useful in agriculture, they’ve also become an invasive pest in homes. Unlike the harmless red-and-black ladybugs you might picture, Asian lady beetles look for places to overwinter—and your house is a favorite hiding spot.

Myth #2: Ladybugs in Your Home Are Harmless

The truth: They can cause problems indoors.

When Asian lady beetles squeeze into cracks, gaps, and attic spaces, they don’t just sit quietly until spring. Instead:

• They stain fabrics and walls. These beetles release a yellowish liquid (reflex bleeding) that can leave unpleasant stains on curtains, upholstery, and walls.
• They smell. To ward off predators, they produce a chemical odor that many homeowners describe as musty or foul.
• They attract other pests. Dead lady beetles inside wall voids or attics can become food sources for other insects or pests, creating a chain reaction of pest issues.

So while spotting one or two might feel like good luck, having dozens (or hundreds) in your home is anything but fortunate.

Myth #3: Killing a Ladybug Brings Bad Luck

The truth: No bad luck here.

Like most superstitions, there’s no scientific evidence that squashing a ladybug will curse you. However, prevention is a much smarter approach than dealing with them reactively. Squishing lady beetles indoors can release that staining, smelly liquid—making matters worse.

Instead of trying to squash them on sight, focus on sealing entry points around windows, doors, siding, and rooflines to keep them from getting inside in the first place.

The Real Secret to Pest-Free Luck

At Thomas Pest Services, we’d love to start a new myth: that pest control technicians bring good luck. Because when you have a year-round pest protection plan, it really does feel lucky to enjoy a home that’s free from lady beetles, stink bugs, ants, and more.

And if your “lucky” ladybugs have already moved in? We can grant that wish too—by making them disappear. So don’t let the myths fool you—ladybugs in your home aren’t a charm, they’re a pest problem.

Contact Thomas Pest Services today to schedule an inspection and learn how our year-round Complete Care Program keeps overwintering insects where they belong: outside your home.