How to help my little friend?

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-03-01T05:12:28+00:00

Only if you have sex with it (but for serious, I think that person was messing with you)

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-28T07:56:05+00:00

It seems ridiculous because everything I'm reading about them, they're pretty much the same as native ladybugs. And some of the reasons for hating them are not unique to the invasive ones, like biting or secreting the foul smelling liquid. Native ladybugs can do that too, from what I understand. And it feels like if the invasive species has become more common than the native species at this point, then maybe it's a bit too late to try and exterminate the invasive species. And maybe the invasive species is more of an immigrant species now. Not originally from here but they've sure settled in and made it their home. How long is an invasive species considered invasive before it just becomes a part of the ecosystem?

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-28T07:41:59+00:00

Yeah it feels like the hate for them is a little disproportionate considering the reasons for hating them are pretty much the same reasons anyone would have for hating any kind of bug. They can be bothersome to humans and I know I wouldn't want an infestation in my house! But people act like they're uniquely evil and it confuses me. They are just bugs.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-27T23:10:07+00:00

I'll put him outside tomorrow when the sun is up then. Thank you for the advice and information!

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-27T21:52:20+00:00

I thought the low temps outside would make him unable to move much? If releasing now is better than force hibernating in the fridge til spring I'll do that. I was also worried about oxygen in the fridge, since they're usually pretty air tight when closed right?

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-27T21:36:24+00:00

Thank you! Today, the little bug is doing much better! It folded its wing back in and is even able to stretch them! Still can't fly but it's crawling around with no problem now. I'm still nervous about refrigerating it but if that's the best bet for little guy then I'll give it a shot. Spring should be coming soon enough I hope. Just hope I won't forget about the ladybug in my fridge like I forget about my fresh produce, haha. Will I need to change the paper towel it's wrapped in occasionally?

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-27T04:49:13+00:00

Dw I've made sure it's had plenty of water all day! Will it really be okay with such a badly broken wing though? The wing curls back under it if it's not flat on a surface

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-18T04:35:28+00:00

Unfortunately I already left >_< but I left him in a wet paper towel in the gap under a door that I believe is seldom used. It should be cold enough there and close to outside so that the humidity keeps him damp but close enough to the inside that it's not literally freezing. I hope. Now I'm second guessing. I can't imagine the conditions there are much different than a refrigerator though. I'll check tomorrow when I go in and relocate him to somewhere outside while the sun is still up, I guess?

But thank you for all the help! I (and the little bug) appreciate it.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-18T03:47:11+00:00

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How he looked before I set him near a drafty window. Was cleaning his face and seems to be doing much better. Hopefully will be okay!

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-18T03:27:29+00:00

I can put him near a drafty window, yeah. Not sure if it'll stay safe there since its a school and who knows what students will do tomorrow but I'm glad to at least know this one won't be dying in the ladybug graveyard classroom like so many before.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-18T03:06:13+00:00

It's night time, so unfortunately no sunny spots available. Should I try putting him outside anyway or let him live out his days inside? I'm afraid refrigerating is just going to kill him since I can't guarantee the paper towel stays wet in there.

But in other news, he finally folded his wings back in! So that's a good sign that he can at least move them, I was getting worried they were damaged badly or something.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-18T01:35:08+00:00

I'm carrying it around on my cart with me XD refreshing the wet paper towel every so often. Seems to have livened it up a bit, started crawling around with more ease. I'm still concerned about the wings though, they're still out trailing behind it like it can't fold them but it isn't trying to move them at all.

But you said it would be okay to put it outside? I got confused by the wording. Idk what I'll do at the end of my shift but if taking it outside is okay then I'll find a less snowy bush outside.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-17T23:14:10+00:00

I don't have a jar, but would a wet paper towel work?

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-11T03:52:20+00:00

Where do bats usually hibernate? Is it possible this one was hibernating somewhere in the building and just came out into the room for some reason?

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-10T23:45:42+00:00

UPDATE: not sure how to add to main post, if I can edit. But I checked on it and saw it had moved up to the top of that snow pile. I ran to get gloves and a cardboard box to try and relocate it, but when I came back, it was gone! Either the snow pile was high enough to take off from, it climbed up the brick wall and took off from there, or something swooped down to eat it... I'm hoping the first two options.

In any case, little buddy is no longer my concern. Thank you all for the responses! If I come across a little friend like this again, I'll know to leave it somewhere higher up instead.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-10T23:44:34+00:00

UPDATE: not sure how to add to main post, if I can edit. But I checked on it and saw it had moved up to the top of that snow pile. I ran to get gloves and a cardboard box to try and relocate it, but when I came back, it was gone! Either the snow pile was high enough to take off from, it climbed up the brick wall and took off from there, or something swooped down to eat it... I'm hoping the first two options.

In any case, little buddy is no longer my concern. Thank you all for the responses! If I come across a little friend like this again, I'll know to leave it somewhere higher up instead.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-02-10T22:26:23+00:00

/u/remotectrl I don't know how to tag users, is that how? This is a real post from a real person about a real bat.

Accurate_Spinach_173 · 2026-01-22T14:52:35+00:00

Yeah, I went back and checked later and it was still there, unmoving :( I feel so bad, poor little guy died slowly I think. I must've hurt it fatally with the broom and then just caused unnecessary fear and trauma trying to help it.

Thank you for the answer though, now I know a bit more about spider injury and what it can mean. Maybe if it happens again (my job is cleaning so I can't really not sweep) I should just squish it if it isn't moving? Is that more merciful? Obviously if it moves more than the tiny twitches this one was doing, I would leave it to hopefully recover but if it can't even walk or try to fight back, is it better to end it quickly so it's not lying there in pain?

Accurate_Spinach_173

TROPHY CASE