Why Do Asian Lady Beetles Infest Homes?

Like any other pest, Asian Lady Beetles spend the fall looking for a warm spot to shelter from the winter cold; your home might be just the right place! These beetles will congregate in large numbers on the sunny sides of structures during October and November. From there, they often make their way inside for additional shelter. They’re attracted to light, so you’ll often find them near windows and light fixtures.

Although Asian Lady Beetles aren’t the most dangerous pest, they are nonetheless a nuisance. Read on to learn more about these bugs and how you can keep them out of your home this winter!

What Are Asian Lady Beetles?

We all know that stink bugs and boxelder bugs are common fall pests, but what about Asian lady beetles? Often confused for ladybugs, the Asian lady beetle was introduced into the United States in the 1960s to help control crop pests. They are now a widespread insect and are most commonly seen here in Knoxville during the fall.

Asian Lady Beetles: Defining Features

The Asian lady beetle is easily confused for the ladybug, and it’s easy to see why! Both have similar body shapes and coloring. However, there are a few characteristics that set them apart:

• Asian Lady Beetles are slightly larger than ladybugs.
• They are multicolored and can be anything from mustard yellow to a dark red color.
• Asian Lady Beetles have two white oval markings on the spot behind their head.
• Some have an M-shaped mark on the pronotum (the segment just behind its head.)
• Beetles will emit an odorous fluid and stain when crushed.

Preventing Asian Lady Beetles in the Fall

Keeping these fall invaders out of your home requires many of the same efforts you would take to prevent stink bugs or boxelder bugs. Simply put, sealing off any openings can help keep the Asian lady beetles outside. Here’s what to do:

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, utility pipes, siding, behind chimneys, and around any other openings.
• Repair or replace damaged screens on doors and windows.
• Replace the weather stripping around windows and doors.
• Consider planting mums in your garden or around your home. These beetles are not fans of the plants and will avoid them at all costs.
• Try out an all-natural deterrent using citrus or citronella scents. Make a spray with orange or lemon essential oil diluted with water, and spray around your windows or doors.

How to Deal With Asian Lady Beetles Inside Your Home

If you start to notice these insects inside your property, there’s no need to panic. The good news is that they rarely bite—if they do, the bites are not known to cause any harm. Nonetheless, you likely don’t want them flying around your home. Vacuum them up with your vacuum cleaner and dispose of them in a sealed bag. They may leave stains and emit an odor when crushed, so take care in handling them.

Call Russell’s Pest Control for Asian Lady Beetle Control!

As always, the residential exterminators at Russell’s Pest Control are happy to help with any pest problem you have this fall – and all year long. If you notice Asian Lady Beetles – or any other pest – in your home as you’re preparing for winter, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Call us today to set up a free inspection!