Are Lady Bugs Friend or Foe?
Taking advantage of the warmer day yesterday, I decided to do a quick hive inspection. The colony is pretty active, but I noticed a few new visitors outside of the hive entrance, lady bugs (3-5). They did not seem to both the foragers coming and going (I do have my entrance reducer positioned for the smallest opening to reduce potential robber activity), but given my loss of a colony to wax moths (total decimation!) over the last 6 weeks, I am worried about these latest visitors. Should I be concerned? If so, any suggestions?
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Hi, Bill -
I wouldn't worry about a few lady bugs... they feast on small bugs like aphids and are considered a beneficial insect in the garden. In the winter, they look for a place to cluster for warmth to wait out the winter, so I'm thinking these ladies are only looking for a place to overwinter, and will not pose any threat to your girls.