If you live in the United States, you may have noticed some little red and black bugs crawling around your house as autumn approaches. These are called Asian lady beetles, and while they’re not harmful to humans, they can be quite a nuisance. Here’s everything you need to know about these pests—and how to get rid of them.
Where Do Asian Lady Beetles Come From?
As their name suggests, Asian lady beetles are not native to the United States. They were first introduced into California in 1916 in an effort to control aphids and other crop-destroying pests. However, the beetles quickly adapted and spread to other parts of the country, where they have become a major nuisance in homes and businesses.
What Do Asian Lady Beetles Look Like?
Asian lady beetles are small—usually around 1/4 of an inch long—and oval-shaped. They have six legs, two antennae, and wings that they can use to fly. Most importantly, they have a distinctive red or orange “M”-shaped marking on their heads. Some lady beetles also have spots on their wing covers, but not all do.
Are Asian Lady Beetles Harmful?
Luckily, Asian lady beetles are not harmful to humans or animals. However, they can be a real pain if they decide to make your home their winter abode. Once inside, they can emit a foul odor and cause allergies in some people. In large numbers, they can also stain walls and furniture with their yellowish secretion.
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In the autumn months the adult beetles will leave their summer sites in yards, fields and forests to head into protected areas for the winter. It is not uncommon to have swarms of ladybugs during the October, November months in Texas. They will seek out cracks and crevices to inter and congregate in the attics, wall cavities and other protected interior areas of the home or business.
Once temperatures start to warm up they will become active again in early spring, then the beetle will try to escape the structure to the outdoors, in some cases inadvertently wandering into the interior. They are attracted to light and will be found around light fixtures and windows.
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How Can I Get Rid Of Them?
The best way to get rid of Asian lady beetles is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. To do this, caulk up any cracks or crevices around doors and windows where they might be able to sneak in. You should also make sure that your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens.
If you already have lady beetles in your home, vacuuming them up is usually the most effective way to get rid of them. Just be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately so that the lady beetles don’t escape and come back again. You can also try using a solution of soap and water to attract and trap them.
Do not try to swat them as they will leave a stain, better to simply vacuum them up. Finally, if you want a more permanent solution, you can always call an exterminator. We can offer prevention solutions for the Asian lady beetle invasion.
Conclusion:
As temperatures start to cool down in autumn, you may notice some unwanted guests making their way into your home: Asian lady beetles. These little critters are not harmful to humans or animals, but they can be quite a nuisance if they decide to take up residence in your house, Call FullScope Pest Control if you want to prevent these pests from coming inside or get rid of them if they’ve already made themselves at home.
