Controlling lady beetles around your home
It’s the time of year when all types of creatures seek shelter from the winter, sometimes inside the home. One of those creatures is the Asian lady beetle. Asian multi-colored lady beetles were imported in the early 1900s and again in the 1960s to 1980s to help control treefeeding aphids. Now, these insects thrive in many parts of the country.
These beetles are actually a beneficial garden insect. They can consume over 300 aphids a day which helps to reduce the need for pesticides. This has actually benefited many agricultural crops such as pecans, nearly eliminating the pecan aphid. They are only a nuisance insect to homeowners because of their habit to seek shelter from the cold, sometimes in large numbers. They typically will appear on warm, sunny days, and congregate around walls, doors, ceilings, and windows. They tend to prefer light colored houses since the color mimics their natural overwintering habitat which is on rock cliffs in Asia.
Insecticides are not needed to control them. The first defense is to prevent them from getting in. Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, siding or utility pipes. Repair any window screens or similar openings. Remove and dispose of Asian lady beetles by using a broom and dustpan, or vacuum them. Avoid alarming them or crushing them; they can discharge a yellow fluid that can stain walls, paint or fabric and this fluid also has an unpleasant odor. Remember, they are great for the garden! If you can keep them cool, let them live and then release them into the yard come spring for natural pest control.
Remember, they are great for the garden! If you can keep them cool, let them live and then release them into the yard come spring for natural pest control.