Prevent Asian Lady Beetles in Your Indiana or Kentucky Home

If you've been noticing some new houseguests of the small, winged variety, you may think you have a ladybug invasion, but they may actually be something else.

Ladybugs Are a Harmless Native Species That's Good for the Garden

Ladybugs are often bright red with distinct black spots on their domed or rounded bodies. Ladybugs are incredibly beneficial, especially in the garden where they eat common pests like aphids. Ladybugs are generally considered harmless and are native to most parts of the world.

If It's Orange and Not Red It May Be an Asian Lady Beetle

If you have encountered what you think is a ladybug in your home, but it's more orange than red, what you likely are seeing are Asian lady beetles. While they do look similar to a ladybug, and often have black dots, they have a very distinct black marking just behind their heads that looks like a W or an M.

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Asian Lady Beetles Are More Aggressive Than Ladybugs and Can Bite

Aside from their physical differences, Asian Lady Beetles are also more aggressive than ladybugs and can even bite! As their name implies, they were imported from Asia as a natural pest deterrent but have since become an invasive species.

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Asian Lady Beetles Are a Nuisance and Can Invade Your Home

Asian lady beetles will often become a nuisance in the fall and winter as they start showing up in homes. They can leave stains on walls and fabric surfaces, and if you happen to squish one, they stink. Asian lady beetles may even trigger allergies in some people.

Preventing Asian Lady Beetles From Infiltrating Your Home

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that old adage applies to Asian lady beetles too. The experts at Orkin recommends that you seal any cracks or gaps where Asian lady beetles might find their way inside. They also recommend checking your windows and screens for any damage that needs to be repaired or replaced. By being proactive, you can prevent these little pests from getting inside your home.

Seal gaps and cracks where lady beetles may enter the structure. Pay close attention to areas such as siding, doors, windows, chimneys, ridge, soffit, and gable vents and openings around pipes, conduit, and utility wires. Repair or replace damaged window or door screens. - Orkin

An Easy Way to Rid Your Home of Asian Lady Beetles

When it comes to ridding your home of Asian lady beetles, if there are only a small number, a common household appliance will likely do the trick. You can use your HEPA filter vacuum to suck the little creatures right up. Just be sure you empty the vacuum after you've got them all. Of course, you can always just use a broom and dustpan to sweep them up before releasing them outside.

An Asian Lady Beetle Infestation May Require a Professional

If you feel like you may have infestation, it's never a bad idea to call in the professionals. They can help you come up with an affective plan of attack to rid your home of these tiny little smelly pests.

[Source: Better Homes and Gardens]