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How to recognize Asian ladybugs
These pests are larger than most other ladybugs and can grow up to 8mm in length. Other characteristics include:
- Orange, red or yellow color.
- Black spots on the body.
- Marking similar to the letter M behind the head.
Asian ladybug larvae are longer, with a flat black body covered in tiny spines.
Signs of ladybug infestation
Finding large numbers of these pests clustered together is the most common sign of an infestation. Piles of dead Asian ladybugs may also collect in light fixtures and around windows.
Removing Asian Lady Beetles
Because Asian ladybugs are known to congregate in huge numbers, getting rid of entire infestations can be costly and time-consuming. To completely remove Asian ladybugs from your home, contact the professionals at Orkin.
How to Prevent an Asian Ladybug Invasion
These pests can enter homes and other structures through the smallest of openings, making them difficult to protect. Preparing your home for winter, sealing any cracks and cracks, and repairing damaged screens will help keep Asian ladybugs out of your home.
Habitat, diet and life cycle
Habitat
Asian ladybugs are thriving throughout the country, in both rural and urban areas. Because they eat pests that damage crops, their preferred habitats are gardens, farmland and ornamental plants.
Diet
These beetles feed on a variety of soft-bodied crop pests, including aphids.
Life cycle
Ladybugs can live for more than a year. During this time they go through four different life stages. They are:
- Egg: Eggs laid in the spring hatch in about three to five days.
- Larvae: The larvae emerge and seek out pest insects to feed on.
- Dolls: Before ladybugs pupate, four moults occur.
- Adult: Within a few days, the adults leave the puppet case.
F.A.Q.
How concerned should I be about Asian ladybugs?
In the garden, Asian ladybugs provide benefits by eating pests that damage crops, gardens, farmland and ornamental plants.
In everyday life, these beetles cause trouble, although they are not dangerous. They do not carry disease and although they occasionally bite, they do not damage the skin.
However, Asian ladybugs produce a yellow liquid with a foul odor that can stain surfaces. You may also find piles of dead Asian ladybugs collected in light fixtures and around windows.
These beetles can gather in huge numbers, so getting rid of an entire infestation can be costly and time-consuming. It is essential to get help from a professional pest control service.
Why do I have Asian ladybugs?
Native to Asia, these beetles were released into the United States decades ago as a natural pest control. However, they have now become a nuisance in Canada.
Asian ladybugs can live for over a year and thrive in both rural and urban environments and are attracted to mild crop and garden pests such as aphids.
During the winter months, Asian ladybugs also invade homes to escape the cold, entering through tiny cracks and crevices.