Yes, There Are Actually ‘Bad’ Ladybugs—Here's What to Do About Them
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As far as household critters go, ladybugs have a pretty sterling reputation. Seen as a sign of good luck, and often appearing in children's books and cartoons, these red-and-black-spotted insects have plenty of great qualities. They're a noninvasive, native species that pretty much keeps to themselves. Ladybugs even prey on pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs that would otherwise destroy your plants.
However, not all beetles are created equal. The Asian lady beetle is a ladybug lookalike that can cause trouble in the fall and winter months. These multicolored bugs can look seemingly identical to ladybugs, but they're much less friendly. While Asian lady beetles also prey on pests that harm our gardens, their cons far outweigh the pros. Here's exactly how to tell if you're dealing with an Asian lady beetle vs. ladybug, and what to do about it.
What Is a Ladybug?
Ladybugs are small, round beetles native to North America. They are very easily identified thanks to their bright red bodies and small black spots. They most often keep to themselves and prefer the cover of leaves and trees to our home's interior in the winter, according to Marc Potzler of Terminix, a pest control company. Ladybugs feed on harmful pests like aphids and spider mites, so they're a great plant friend to keep around.
When getting rid of other bugs in your home, it's important to use a targeted or pollinator-safe pesticide to protect ladybugs from harm.
What Is an Asian Lady Beetle?
Asian lady beetles were first introduced to North America in the early 1900s to combat aphids. However, because they have no known predator in the United States, they've become an invasive species. Asian lady beetles live outside in the warmer months but will find a way indoors when it begins to get cold.
“They're not looking for food or even a place to lay eggs,” Potzler says. “These beetles crawl inside for a warm place to go dormant.” Their native climate is much milder than North American winters, so they avoid staying outdoors in freezing temperatures. These bugs, like other household pests, can squeeze through any minuscule gap in your home's foundation, window frame, or roof eave, Potzler says.
What's the Difference Between an Asian Beetle vs. Ladybug?
Asian lady beetles look almost identical to ladybugs in terms of their size and shape, but the differences between Asian beetles vs. ladybugs are easier to spot than you'd expect.
“These beetles aren't always red,” explains Potzler. “They can range from a very pale yellow or orange to a deep red, similar to ladybugs.” If they are red and you can't tell which bug is which, Potzler explains that there is one distinctive marking that will make it easy to spot the difference between the two: On the black section just behind the bug's head, you'll notice a white M-shaped marking—that's the telltale sign you're dealing with an Asian lady beetle.
Asian lady beetles are more aggressive than ladybugs and they will bite humans or animals if provoked. Unlike mosquitos, these beetles don't suck blood, so biting is only a defense mechanism. They are also much more likely than ladybugs to travel in large groups.
How Do I Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles?
If you start seeing Asian lady beetles in your home, there are a few things you can do to keep them at bay.
Spray Your Home in Summer
Potzler recommends scheduling all your pest control appointments before the first frost. You'll want to have your home's perimeter sprayed before nights dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the Asian lady beetles haven't already come inside. Standard pesticides are effective against these beetles, so odds are, your yearly pest maintenance is already doing its job.
If you prefer to DIY your pest control, pesticides that you can purchase at your local gardening center or hardware store will work just as well. It's important to adhere to the recommended seasonal timing (i.e., before the first frost) for the best results.
Seal Up the Cracks
Keep these bugs outside! Make sure all your window and door screens are securely fit, and double-check areas like chimneys, siding, vents, utility wires, and anywhere else you think insects could come into your home.
“Caulk can go a long way in preventing these beetles from entering your home,” Potzler says. “If you can fit the tip of a pen in the crack or gap, a beetle can get in.”
Always Vacuum, Never Crush
If they do end up getting inside, Potzler recommends vacuuming them up (emptying the bag immediately afterward), or sweeping them up in a dustpan and putting them back outside. When crushed, Asian lady beetles can leave an unsightly yellow stain. These bugs quickly multiply, so if you notice a few in your home, make sure to act fast. Call your local pest control company, because it won't be long before you have a full-blown invasion on your hands.
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