September 2013

Ladybug Allergy

Ladybugs are all around us!  Up until the early 1990’s they were actually released into the environment to protect against plant lice-which infect and kill beneficial plants in forests as well as our gardens.  In the autumn, ladybugs will swarm into homes searching for warmth as they wait out the cold winter months.  It is becoming evident that ladybugs are a major source of allergies.  This can result in nasal congestion, runny nose, asthma or hives.  One recent study showed that 21% of allergy sufferers were sensitive to ladybugs.  This is similar to the rate of allergy for dust mites and