Effective Ways to Control Asian Lady Beetles

The Asian lady beetles were imported to the United States as beneficial insects to control garden insect pests biologically, however, these beetles have become a nuisance seeking shelter indoors where they overwinter. There are believed to be about ” 150 species of these bugs” Their natural habitat includes orchards, forests, and home gardens. The Asian lady beetle is known to be a tree dweller, many people mistake the Asian lady beetle for a ladybug but here is the difference, ladybugs are typically smaller and rounder than the Asian lady beetle, and the Asian lady beetle colors can range from light orange, yellow, to bright red and in some cases that’s rear even black.

Asian lady beetles can also be identified by black M-shaped markings on the tops of their heads, their distinct wings can either be unmarked or dotted with black spots.  Asian lady beetle feeds on mealybugs, scales, aphids, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects. They also use ladybeetles or bugs as a food source.  Fallen ripe apples and other fruits that other insects and birds have opened help to make up their diet. It’s believed that “some people have an allergic reaction when coming in contact with them.

The Lifecycle of Asian Lady Beetles

The Asian lady beetle goes through 4 stages of development, egg, larvae, pupal, and adult.

• The eggs can be found in clusters on the leaf’s undersides and appear as yellow tiny jellybeans.
• The larval stage of these insects is tiny, yellow, and black.
• At the pupal stage, the beetle looks like a yellowish-to-orange shrimp
• At the adult stage, the Asian lady beetle can be yellow, orange, or bright red and is oval-shaped with any number of black spots on its wings.

Signs of Asian Lady Beetles

During the fall season, these beetles’ activity is heightened in preparation for winter, seeking shelter in homes and building structures. The Asian lady beetles may be seen in great numbers congregating on wall crevices, doors, windows, and even inside attics depending on the weather and the location from September through November. The Asian lady beetles when disturbed release a yellowish fluid that can stain fabrics and furniture and they also emit an unpleasant odor.

How to Deter Asian Beetles

There are several ways to bring control to Asian lady beetles, if you have a lady beetle infestation here is what to do to properly manage them.

• Because Asian lady beetles seek shelter in homes and building structures ensure that all entry points such as cracks and crevices are sealed with caulk.
• Make sure there are no openings around the windows and doors, if there are openings then seal them with caulk or silicone
• If the weather stripping around doors and windows is absent then install them but if stripings are damaged then replace them.
• Check areas where water pipes and electrical pipes enter the home and building structures if gaps or openings are discovered seal with caulk or spray foam.
• Install, replace, or fix screens in soffit vents and roof.
• Asain lady beetles like other insects pest can enter homes and buildings if there are tiny spaces or gaps underneath the door. Make sure to install door sweeps.
• Ensure that windows and door screens are in good repair and not thorn.
• Large holes can be sealed with urethane foam, cement, or copper mesh.
• Any holes in the home or building that lead to the attic should be patched.
• An unkept garden or yard that’s overgrown encourages a host of insect pests and rodents such as mice, rats, voles, etc. Your garden and yard should be properly trimmed and manicured.
• Because the Asain lady beetle feeds on fallen fruits that ripen, make sure to remove all fall fruits. The removal of fallen fruits will discourage rodents.
• There are ladybug houses that are sold at plant nurseries, hardware stores, and garden centers that can be purchased and placed in your yard or garden to attract these beetles.
• Asian lady beetles hate the scent of bay leaves, cloves,  peppermint, and Citronella. Keep Asian lady beetles away with these aromas.
• The installation of Chrysanthemum in your yard or garden will deter or keep the Asian lady beetle away because these beetles hate the scent mums emit.
• Apply a preventive insecticide from the end of August to before the first freeze every month, the insecticide can be applied where utility pipes and wire enter your home, apply insecticide around door and window frames, beneath eves, apply insecticides 2-3 feet up, and out from the foundation of home or building structures.

How to Control Asian Lady Beetles Once Indoors

If you discover these beetles have already invaded your indoor living area here is what to do.

• Use a vacuum to remove them, once done place the lady beetles into a trash bag, properly seal the trash bag, and place the bag in your outdoor trash disposal area. Ensure that your outdoor trash container has a tight lid to conceal these bugs.
• Sweeping up the Asian lady beetle into a dustpan with a broom can crush the beetle releasing a staining fluid that is foul smelling so you may want to reconsider this method.
• Like other structural pests, the Asian lady beetle is drawn to bright lights, if possible install lights that are less attractive to bugs such as yellow or LED bulbs.
• Inside your home apply insecticide around cracks and crevices, your door and window frame, baseboards, beneath sinks and appliances, areas where utility pipes enter the building structure or home, in the corners of rooms, and other entry points. Look for an insecticide that is labeled to control Asian lady beetles, before applying insecticides read and understand the manufacturer’s directions on the label for best results and safe use.

Additional information

• When applying insecticides make sure and wear your PPE, a long pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt, eye goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions on the label for proper use and safety, remember safety first.
• Clothing that is used to apply pesticides should be washed separately from other laundry.
• After application keep pets and children out of the treated area for the insecticide to dry for 2 hours or according to the manufacturer’s directions on the label.
• Another method to manage Asian lady beetles is to contact a professional pest control company to do the job for you.

Conclusion

Asian lady beetles for the most part are beneficial insects that help to control garden insect pests, unfortunately, they can become an issue when seeking shelter indoors to overwinter. However, these bugs can be controlled. It may take some work based on the level of infestation but an infestation can be controlled or avoided by following this guide that will reduce their presence.