Last year, the ladybird beetle population in Manitoba seemed to explode. As summer approaches, we can expect to see just as many literally coming out of the woodwork.

Taz Stewart, entomologist and director of technical operations for Poulin's Pest Control says that last fall, the beetles simply went into hibernation, seeking out any cracks and crevices they could settle in for the duration of the winter.

"it's getting warmer, the sun is higher in the sky, and they're finding they're waking up and coming out."

According to Stewart, Poulin's has been receiving calls for over a month already pertaining to the beetles. However, as there are no registered control products for these creatures in Canada at this time due to larger amounts of cash crops in the province, Stewart believes the lady beetle cycle will repeat again this year.

"Definitely, if we have a normal Manitoba summer, you'll see hundreds of zillions of them coming back in next fall, looking to get into your house," says Stewart.

He recommends sealing up any cracks, crevices, and other accesses in your home or seeking out a spray treatment as the best modes of defence against lady beetles.

"Anything small enough for a ladybird beetle to get into, they'll likely get into it," explained Stewart.

He says that though the pests are quite annoying, tending to smell if played with and known for small bites, the lady beetles do not pose any known threats to humans.

If you do have these beetles in your home, Stewart suggests vacuuming them up to avoid staining and unpleasant odours. Any residues left over can be removed with a good amount of elbow grease and hot, soapy water. He says the best way to get rid of them is through natural or cultural options and recommends using no artificial pesticides in the process.

As for outside, reducing the number of aphids in your garden is your best option of keeping the space beetle-free.

To spot a ladybird beetle, look for an M on the top of its head, before the body. This is a feature that ordinary ladybugs do not have, and the beetles range in colour from a light white to a milky yellow.