i think we had a problem at jones chapel a year ago or so as well. clean out box and check to make sure it is sealed tight...
----- Original Message ----- From: Ken Hohhof To: af@afmug.com Sent: Saturday, December 26, 2015 10:51 PM Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Lady bug deterrent 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.