Ladybugs Run Rampant

The Headquarters of Southern Torch came under attack yesterday morning...by ladybugs. Like a bad sequel to "Sharknado".

Looking around DeKalb County I've noticed that many people are having this same problem.

According to entomologists, the tiny orange and black beetles are invading homes around North Alabama with the mistaken impression that houses are rocks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture admits the infestation is due to their release of thousands of bugs imported from Japan.

The Japanese Ladybug is orange, where the U.S. Ladybug is red.

According to USDA records, more than 80,000 of the bugs were released in Georgia 20 years ago in order to control aphids that destroy pecan trees. Unfortunately, what the USDA didn't realize at the time was that this particular species - Harmonia axyridix- doesn't spend winter hidden away under tree bark or beneath the ground, but on rocks.

There is no danger to anyone other than the foul smell and yellow spots left by these bugs that gravitate towards windows.

Good luck and God speed.