Invasion of the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

invasion-of-the-multicolored-asian-lady-beetle

The Asian Lady Beetle was introduced into the United States by the U.S. department of Agriculture in the latter part of the 20th Century in hopes that they would be a natural predator for many agricultural pests like aphids and scale insects.  Some were also unintentionally introduced to the United States on ships from Japan.   Intentions were good but it did not work out exactly like planned.  While birds and other natural predators do keep beetle populations under some control the beetles are much more prolific in numbers for the birds to keep up.  Identification of the Asian Lady Beetle is quite easy.  It can be orange to reddish in color and sometimes brown with black spots.  Spots are comparable to the lady bug which is very beneficial in gardens and flower areas except the Asian Lady Beetle has an “M” on the covering on the back of its head.  One reason the Asian Lady Beetle is considered a nuisance or invasive species is because of their congregation in the late summer and Fall of the year on the outside of structures when nights are cool and days are warm.  These insects are drawn to lighter shades of paint or siding.  The beetles then find cracks or crevices like around windows, the bottom of vinyl siding, soffits and roof lines under roofing to creep in and overwinter in your home.  When this happens, the insects are protected and may emerge inside the structure all during the winter season until the outside temperature is to their liking.  There are two forms of self-defense unutilized by these nuisance pests.  One is biting which they can do and the other is emitting a foul odor when handled or disturbed.  If crushed they can leave an odor and yellow stain which is a bid hard to get out.  

Here is the tip.  Outside perimeter treatments during late summer and early fall really does help not only for the beetles but other invasive species making your winter a little less challenging inside the home.  To remove the beetles inside if you are not interested in using chemicals inside your living area a good hand-held vacuum will do the trick but remember to change the bag after using otherwise the beetles can crawl out.  Give us a call to make a plan to protect your home from this nuisance pest.