What Are Asian Lady Beetles?

Every fall, Vermont residents report sightings of three insects in particular: stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and Asian lady beetles! Often confused for ladybugs, Asian lady beetles will congregate on the sunny side of your home in the fall months to escape the dropping temperatures. From there, they often make their way indoors if given the chance. While they aren’t necessarily the most dangerous pest, they can still be a nuisance to deal with. When inside your home, they can be found lingering in windowsills, curtains, or in attics. At Vermont Pest Control, we know how frustrating any pest problem can be inside your property, especially in the fall. Our experts are here to share expert information on this common fall pest problem.

What to Know About Asian Lady Beetles in the Fall

It’s easy to see how Asian lady beetles and ladybugs are confused for one another. However, the beetle is slightly larger than your average ladybug. Asian lady beetles also vary in color and can be more orange or yellow in tone than ladybugs. The key identifying marks on this beetle are two white, oval markings on the pronotum (just behind its head) along with an occasional M-shaped marking on the pronotum. Asian lady beetles are most known for their habit of flocking to the side of structures and even crawling indoors at times.

How Do I Keep Asian Lady Beetles Out?

Before the winter weather settles in, Asian lady beetles may get into your home for shelter and warmth. To keep these beetles and other fall pests outside, it’s important to implement exclusion tactics to make your home impenetrable to them! Here’s how:

• 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 a 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.

What to Do When You Have Asian Lady Beetles Inside

If Asian lady beetles get inside, there’s no need to worry too much. These beetles may bite, but their bites are not known to be dangerous. You can use a vacuum cleaner to contain them, but make sure to dispose of them in a sealed bag. The residential exterminators at Vermont Pest Control know how distressing any type of pest problem is inside your home, which is why we’re here to help. Contact us today!