It’s that time of year, and love is in the air here in Northeast Pennsylvania. When thinking about love and luck, the last thing most people think about is insects; however, there is one little creature that is commonly referred to as the bearer of good luck, good fortune, and future prosperity.
Positive vibes have always surrounded the ladybug, and across many different cultures, these tiny insects are frequently connected with love and prosperity. These common house bugs have even been known to “tell you about your future love life.” Regardless of the rumors, ladybugs have always been a topic of misconception when it comes to love.
Learn more about the meaning of ladybugs and what the right course of action is to do when you spot a growing number of ladybugs inside your home.
The Symbolism of Ladybugs Across the World
Cultures around the world–from Asia to Europe and even Native American tribes–see ladybugs as a sign of good fortune. They are often tied to love, prosperity, and good luck, and wherever you see them, good omens usually follow. In mythology and folklore, they grant wishes, protect babies, and provide safety for travelers.
On the more practical side, farmers saw them as a positive because they protected crops from aphids. Ladybugs act as a natural bug repellent and pest control expert by eating plant-damaging insects.
Farmers often called these common little bugs omens of a good harvest. While there are many reasons good vibes follow them, ladybugs are not actually little cupids. Some, in fact, can be insufferable pests. To set the record straight, here are seven common misconceptions about ladybugs and love.
1. Counting A Ladybug’s Spots Will Indicate How Many Children You Will Have.
This could be a doozy if you randomly encounter a spot-covered insect. Rumor has it that if a ladybug lands on you on its own accord, you can count the spots and discover how many children you’ll have.
Ladybug spots are an evolved defense mechanism. The spots, along with the bright color of their body, warn would-be predators that eating a ladybug will result in a nasty and possibly poisonous taste. So, rather than an indicator of how many children you will have, it keeps ladybugs off the menu.
2. No spots? You May Meet Your True Love.
On the reverse side of the spots theory, if a ladybug with no spots lands on you, it’s a sign that you will encounter your true love. Whether you are going to meet someone, rekindle a romance, or maintain a good relationship, a love fortune is promised to anyone who encounters one of these lucky bugs.
However, if you do encounter one of these spotless ladybugs, it’s not even a ladybug at all. Instead, it’s an Asian lady beetle. Unfortunately, they aren’t necessarily good luck, either. Asian lady beetles are notorious overwintering pests. If they find their way inside your home, they will hide away in the winter until the weather turns warmer.
Afterward, they will hatch, and suddenly, that one beetle turns into a swarm. While they don’t do much damage, they do leave a nasty smell and yellow streaks. If you do encounter a spotless bug, don’t bring it inside with you.
3. Ladybugs In Your Home? Good Luck Or…Maybe A New Baby!
So, you’ve found ladybugs in your home? Well, the rumor is that your home will be blessed with good fortune or perhaps a new bundle of joy. However, much like the previous misconception, you may not be dealing with a ladybug at all.
If you see a swarm of “ladybugs” in your home, they’re most likely Asian lady beetles and you should vacuum them up or dispose of them as soon as possible. Otherwise, they may keep returning year after year.
4. Yellow Ladybugs Are A Sign Of Travel, Adventure, New Love Or A New Chapter.
If you encounter a yellow ladybug, you may be in for quite the journey. These little insects signify travel, adventure, or a whole new stage in your life.
However, yellow ladybugs are often not very beneficial for your garden. Several varieties of yellow ladybugs will eat your garden instead of aphids and could very well be a variation of the Asian lady beetle.
5. Ladybug On Your Hand? You May Hear Wedding Bells.
Encountering a ladybug and looking for love? Well, if a ladybug lands on the hand of an unwed woman, it means they may get married within the year. Of course, there are plenty of factors to debunk this. Ladybugs are often attracted to light colors and certain scents. Your encounter can simply be because a ladybug liked the blouse you were wearing.
6. Kill A Ladybug, And You Welcome Bad Luck.
This one can be a little hard to swallow. Since ladybugs are often seen as sources of good fortune and luck, to kill one is considered a great offense. Of course, if you end up with a swarm in your house, it can be difficult to deal with the problem of harming a few in the process. If you are superstitious, remember that those “ladybugs” in your home are actual Asian ladybeetles.
7. If One Bites You, You Need To Chill.
The last common misconception about ladybugs and love is that if one bites you, it’s time to slow down and reflect on your life. Again, ladybugs rarely, if ever, bite humans. Asian lady beetles, however, are far more aggressive and have been known to bite. So, rather than it being a sign to relax, it’s more of a display of aggression from an angry lady beetle.
Colors of Ladybugs and Their Meaning
Ladybugs come in a variety of colors, each with their own biological and cultural significance. While their hues serve as warnings to predators in nature, many cultures also associate ladybug colors with luck, love, and symbolism. Here’s a breakdown of their colors and meanings:
- Red or Orange with Black Spots: The classic red ladybug is often seen as a symbol of good luck and protection in many cultures. Its vibrant color not only warns predators but is also said to bring blessings and fortune to those who encounter it.
- Yellow or Light Orange: Yellow ladybugs symbolize optimism and new beginnings. In some cultures, seeing a yellow ladybug is thought to bring inspiration or signify a fresh start.
- Black with Red or Yellow Spots: Black ladybugs with red or yellow spots are rarer and are often associated with mystery and transformation. They are seen as a reminder to embrace change and trust the process of growth.
- Pink or Pale Ladybugs: These delicate ladybugs are often linked to love, gentleness, and kindness. They are sometimes thought to bring messages of compassion or romance.
- Brown or Tan: These earth-toned ladybugs are less vibrant but are connected to stability and grounding. They symbolize a connection to nature and inner peace.
Of course, any cultural meaning goes out the window when it comes to Asian lady beetles.
What to Do If You Keep Spotting Ladybugs
A typical ladybug is nothing to be worried about and you can usually pick these little critters up and move them on their way. In fact, many ladybugs are considered beneficial insects as they help eliminate aphids that harm vegetables.
On the other hand, if you’re dealing with Asian lady beetles, you’ll want to read our guide on how to get rid of Asian lady beetles. In the meantime, we suggest sealing all entry points, vacuuming up these creatures as soon as possible, and working with a pest control expert to eliminate any stubborn or large infestations.
Luck Be a Ladybug
While ladybugs may or may not be a real source of luck or good fortune, they do play a critical role in the environment. They keep gardens pest-free, and they are harmless creatures that blossom during the warm months of the year. Be aware of the imposter Asian lady beetle, however.
If you’re lucky, you can avoid this overwintering pest and keep your home bug-free. So, count your lucky spots, keep your eyes on the sky, and may luck be on your side this season.
FAQs
Do ladybugs actually benefit pest control in gardens?
Yes, ladybugs are highly beneficial for pest control. They feed on soft-bodied insects like aphids, scale insects, and mites, which are common garden pests. A single ladybug can consume hundreds of pests in its lifetime.
Are all ladybugs helpful for pest control?
Most species of ladybugs are beneficial, but some, like the harlequin ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) or Asian lady beetles, can become invasive and outcompete native species. They can also overwinter in homes, causing mild nuisance issues.
Do ladybugs bite humans?
While ladybugs are not aggressive, some species, including the Asian lady beetle, can bite if they feel threatened. These bites are harmless and usually result in nothing more than mild irritation.
