Love Is in the Air… and So Are the Bugs

Top Valentine’s-Ready Bugs to Watch For

Valentine’s Day is all about love, sweet treats, and cozy moments at home. Unfortunately, some pests take that as an open invitation. While you’re focusing on chocolates and cards, a few bugs are busy planning their own romantic rendezvous—inside your house.

Here are the top bugs that feel especially “ready for Valentine’s Day,” and what you should know about them.

💋 Kissing Bugs

The name sounds romantic… the reality, not so much.

Kissing bugs earned their name because they tend to bite around the mouth or face while people sleep. While they can be a concern in parts of the southern U.S., the good news is they are not common in Indiana. Sightings here are rare, and most Indiana homeowners are far more likely to encounter look-alike insects than the real thing.

Still, if you ever suspect one, it’s worth having it identified—because love bites should come from your Valentine, not a bug.

🐞 Ladybugs (and the Ladybug Look-Alikes)

Ladybugs are basically Valentine’s Day mascots.

They’re red, round, and often associated with good luck and love. However, not all “ladybugs” are created equal. Many homeowners in Indiana actually encounter invasive ladybird beetles, which look similar but behave very differently.

Ladybird beetles:

• Invade homes in large numbers

• Bite (yes, really)

• Stain walls and surfaces

  
  

If your “cute Valentine visitor” starts showing up by the dozens, it may be time for a closer look.

🐝 Honey Bees

Ah yes… the birds and the bees.

Honey bees get a Valentine’s pass for a reason. They’re essential pollinators, symbols of teamwork, and naturally connected to love through honey, flowers, and—well—you know the rest.

While honey bees usually stay outdoors, swarms or nests too close to a home should be handled carefully and professionally. Protecting bees and your household can go hand in hand.

🐜 Ants

The ultimate Valentine crashers.

Ants are drawn to sweet things, which makes Valentine’s candy, baked goods, and drinks especially tempting. Beyond their love for sugar, ants also symbolize teamwork and persistence—romantic qualities, just not when they’re marching across your kitchen counter.

If ants show up:

• There’s usually a food source nearby

• The colony is bigger than what you’re seeing

• Ignoring them won’t make them go away

  
  

Much like relationships, ant problems are best handled early.

❤️ Keep the Love—Lose the Bugs

Valentine’s Day should be filled with romance, not infestations. Whether it’s ants chasing sweets, beetles pretending to be ladybugs, or other uninvited guests, staying proactive keeps your home comfortable and pest-free.

Because the only thing that should be spreading this Valentine’s Day… is love.

Need help showing some pests the door? You know who to call. 😉