by Betty Carew

Created on: June 14, 2009   Last Updated: June 28, 2009

Asian ladybugs are causing allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, chronic cough, asthma and uticaria which have lead to various studies on this ladybug to find out how to treat Asian ladybug allergiesAsian Ladybugs were imported into the United States in 1990 as a pest control method for aphids but have become a nightmare for allergy suffers. they have invaded homes in some areas especially during the colder months. It wasn't known at the time of importation that these ladybugs would infest people's homes during the winter months to the point of making some of those people sick with allergic reactions.

What causes allergic reactions to the Asian Ladybug?

The problem that causes these allergies is in the orange fluid that these ladybugs release when they are threatened. This fluid has a very foul odor; along with proteins that can transfer to an allergy suffer. This fluid combined with their droppings and other body parts become airborne which is very easily transferred inside the home via by footwear or the ladybug itself. There have been positive allergy testing results to the Asian Ladybug which have increased allergy suffers in areas such as West Virginia. The skin test that have been done, show that these ladybugs are nearly as high as that of the cockroach or dust mites. Dust mites are responsible for forty percent of indoor allergies, twenty-seven percent is due to cockroach allergies and the Asian Ladybug comes in at twenty one percent.

How do you cut down the amount of Asian Ladybugs from infesting your home?

As with all allergies avoiding the cause is the first line of protection but this is difficult to do if your home is infested with these lady bugs; however there are steps that can be taken to improve this situation. The gaps around the windows of your home should be sealed so the lady bugs can't gain entrance. Seal all doors and porches that will help reduce, if not eliminate these ladybugs from entering. Remove any dead remains of these ladybugs and wash the area with hot water. There are other methods of cutting down on the amount of ladybugs in your home by calling a pest control expert or purchasing traps that you can place in areas that these ladybugs are entering.

How do you treat Ladybug allergies?

The treatment of ladybug allergies is not very different from other airborne allergies. Your first line of defense is prevention of the infestation and avoidance of the ladybug if it has infested your home. This can be helped by keeping your home extremely clean. If this does not work and you find your allergies are not subsiding there are home remedies that can be tried such as taking a shower and changing your clothing, don't open windows or doors use your air conditioner. Keep clean filters on your furnace. Vacuum often using a HEPA filter and if your congestion is uncomfortable try some of the herbs and spices that are recommened for clearing the nasal passages. Neti pots are becoming very popular for sinus symptoms.

If you can't get any relief with these methods there are many over the counter medications that you can purchase to help your sneezing, sniffling and congestion. These medications come in liquid, pills and nasal sprays. If this doesn't work then you should see a physician for help. They have an arsenal of drugs

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