The hidden meanings behind lucky (and unlucky) bugs

Some bugs bring fortune, others bring misfortune—know which ones to welcome and which ones to ward off.

St. Patrick’s Day is all about luck—four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, and dodging bad omens (or just a Guinness-fueled headache). But did you know bugs have been tangled in luck and superstition for centuries? Some bring prosperity, while others are six-legged harbingers of doom.

Let’s get into the world of lucky and unlucky bugs—and what they might be telling you.

🍀 Bugs that bring the luck

Ladybugs. These tiny, spotted guardians aren’t just cute. They’re a symbol of prosperity and love. Farmers adore them for keeping pests at bay, and folklore says if one lands on you, good fortune is around the corner. More on ladybugs here.

Dragonflies. Fast, mysterious, and a little magical, dragonflies symbolize transformation. Spotting one might mean big, positive changes are ahead.

Crickets. Their chirping was once considered a sign of protection and good luck (just don’t squash them!). If a cricket sneaks into your home, consider it an honored guest.

💀 Bugs you don’t want visiting

Moths. The eerie, nocturnal cousins of butterflies have long been linked to misfortune. If one won’t stop circling your light, it might be a sign to pay closer attention to the things you’ve been avoiding.

Ticks. Bloodthirsty, disease-spreading freeloaders. If you’ve ever pulled one off yourself or your pet, you know the immediate dread that follows.

Parasites. The ultimate bad-luck bugs. These microscopic invaders hijack your nutrients, drain your energy, and can manipulate your body in ways you wouldn’t believe. Feeling run-down? It might not be bad luck—it could be something lurking inside.

🪲 Bug superstitions

Crickets in China. These little noisemakers weren’t just lucky. They were cherished pets. People kept them in ornate cages, believing their chirping brought prosperity. Some even bet on cricket fights like tiny gladiators.

Locust swarms. More than just a bad omen, these crop-destroying insects have devastated civilizations since biblical times. If a swarm appears, it’s not just unlucky—it’s historically catastrophic.

The Black Witch Moth. In Mexican folklore, finding one of these big, shadowy moths inside your home is a sign of death or misfortune. But in Hawaii? It’s believed to be a sign that a loved one is visiting. Same moth, very different interpretations.

Bugs are more than just creepy crawlers—they have stories, myths, and even the power to shape our luck. We’re here to explore the weird, fascinating questions that make you think twice about the world around you.

From lucky ladybugs to not-so-lucky parasites, we love uncovering the hidden connections between nature, health, and the things you might not even realize are affecting you.

Wishing you health, wealth, and bug-free blessings this St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀🌈

Until next time,

Gabi & Bea