FLY AWAY HOME

Sometimes good solutions can have harmful side effects.  Years ago, farmers imported Asian ladybugs to control certain agricultural pests.  Although the Asian ladybugs were effective in the short term, they proved to pose long-term problems for native ladybugs and humans.  As the weather gets chillier, Asian ladybugs seek warmth inside houses in their effort to avoid the cold.  Homes become infested, and people of all ages experience many common cold-like allergy symptoms.  Some individuals even break out with skin rashes after direct contact. Allergists discovered that patients needed increased doses of allergy medications to control their allergic reactions.  Recent scientific studies indicate that ladybug allergy is now nearly as common as allergies to cockroaches and cats.

P.S.  Asian ladybugs release a chemical when agitated.  The best way to remove them from the home is with a vacuum cleaner.

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