How to Identify and Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles This Fall
Many homeowners and gardeners have a love-hate relationship with Asian lady beetles in Missouri. On one hand, they are great for eating garden pests like aphids and scale insects, but on the other, they can quickly become a nuisance when they want to come inside as the weather turns cold.
Asian lady beetles are often confused with our native lady beetles, and often outcompete these native species for resources. Asian lady beetles were first introduced into the United States in 1916 as a biological control agent for growers, and found in Missouri in 1993. However, these beetles didn’t want to overwinter outside like our native species. They aggregate together in the fall near sunny areas, finding their way inside manmade structures for shelter.
Not only will they group together inside your home, but they also emit a defensive compound that is smelly and can stain walls or curtains.
In this article, we’ll explore how to best identify Asian lady beetles and what you can do if they start to invade your home!
Identification and Life Cycle
Asian lady beetles are best identified by their round convex body shape and their black and white head. The lady beetles tend to be larger than our native species of ladybugs, and can grow to about 1/3 inch long.
We often think of lady beetles as being red, but the Asian lady beetle comes in a variety of colors including, red, orange, yellow, and even black. Sometimes they have lots of spots or no spots at all!
One thing you can count on to determine a native from an invasive lady beetle is the “M” shaped marking on the head of the Asian lady beetle. Look carefully because the “M” can sometimes have thick lines or broken up. There’s a lot of variety in these lady beetles!
Asian lady beetles will overwinter as adults, hiding in cracks, crevices, or other dry spaces until the weather warms up. They will lay their eggs in clusters on leaves and the eggs hatch into ferocious looking larvae. These larvae will seek out soft-bodied insects and feed on them, shedding their skin and then pupating on the underside of leaves.
The adults will live up to two years and they can produce one generation of offspring each year.
Preventing Asian Lady Beetle Infestations
When the weather starts to cool, the lady beetles will most likely start looking for sunny areas to hang out. That can be on the sunny side of your home or in window sills.
The best way to handle them is to prevent them from coming inside in the first place. Here’s what you can do:
Seal Entry Points: One of the best preventative measures is to seal cracks, gaps, and entry points around doors, windows, and siding. Use caulk or weather stripping to cover these spaces.
Use Screens and Weather Stripping: Ensure all of your windows, doors, and vents have proper screens, and check that weather stripping is intact. This prevents beetles from entering your home.
Vacuuming: If beetles have already entered, the easiest way to remove them is by vacuuming. Avoid squashing them, as they release a yellow fluid that can stain walls and emit a foul odor. You will also want to remove the bag or empty the cannister after a day or so when the beetles are dead. If you don’t, it may start to stink.
Another thing you can do is put pantyhose or secure tea cloth over the end of your vacuum hose and suck the lady beetles up without crushing them, and then releasing them back outside.
Why Choose Pest Pro Solutions for Asian Lady Beetle Control
If you have a serious problem with Asian lady beetles and you can’t seem to control them, it may be best to call a professional to help you get a better handle on the situation.
We understand that calling a professional pest control company can sometimes feel a little unnerving. At Pest Pro Solutions, we make pest control easy and convenient for you. Our professional team of experts has the knowledge and skills to keep Asian lady beetles away from your home for good.
Get in touch with us today for a free consultation!
