Every fall the bugs begin to die. But, they prefer not to die, so they seek out warm places. Houses qualify. Cal has killed a cockroach or two. Ick. But, hey, I have absolutely no problem ending the life of a roach.
In fact, I can step on/swat most bugs without blinking. The exception is ladybugs. I really can’t kill a ladybug. Maybe it’s the “Ladybug, Ladybug Fly Away Home” nursery rhyme. After all, any bug who flies home to rescue her daughter Anne can’t be all bad. Or maybe their appeal is their cute little spots and shiny red hard wings that reminds me of a elementary school drawing. The problem is that the bugs aren’t drawings. They’re real bugs, and they’re invading my house, and I can’t bring myself to slaughter their cheerful little bodies.
A friend of mine sprayed the ladybugs invading her home with a mild pesticide. They died. But they didn’t die quickly or normally. Instead they walked in a death spiral and left bug goo with their every step. So her ceiling was covered with swirls of bug scum. I really don’t feel like cleaning bug gunk from my ten foot ceilings. Eventually, the bugs will die and then I can vacuum them up. In the meantime, I’m trying to pretend they’re happy bugs and that is doesn’t bother me a lot when the fly across the room. I hope they die soon, really soon…because they’re not cute anymore.
You are right! I can't make myself kill ladybugs either, and they are the only bug I will rescue from the swimming pool.
ReplyDeleteI find it quite easy to kill ladybugs.
ReplyDeleteOnce, when I was really young, I brought it upon myself to find and collect all the ladybugs that were flittering happily about the backyad. I did this, and I put them all in a bowl on my porch. I woke up the following morning... And they were all gone... I'm not really sure if this is a happy or sad memory... But it's a memory, none the less. Heh heh.
ReplyDeleteDuncan, you are so evil.
ReplyDeleteWe have lots. of. ladybugs. The kids think it's great and spend their time catching them. I think it's irritating to be doing something and have 2-3 ladybugs land on your page or knitting. The kids catch them and put them into containers, which kills them. And while I usually ask the kids to release their catch outside at the end of the day, I don't with the ladybugs. Those buggers can die.
ReplyDeleteAlden actually had a little red, raised "bite" from a ladybug a few weeks ago - so now all of my children are scared of the sweet little lady bug - and I'm no longer a fan.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I just remember how rare they were to find in Israel. One time I found a whole bunch of them in a field. That was exciting:)
ReplyDeletegrace duke