Asian lady beetles are an overwintering pest that are similar in appearance to ladybugs. The M-shaped marking on their head distinguishes them from ladybugs. While ladybugs are a beneficial insect, Asian lady beetles are an invasive species that can infest homes. As summer comes to a close and fall arrives, these beetles start looking for a warm, safe place to spend the winter months. These beetles release pheromones that alert others to their location, leading to large infestations. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prevent and control an infestation. We’ve gathered information to help you keep Asian lady beetles out of your home.
1. Seal Entry Points
The best way to protect your home from Asian lady beetles is to make sure they can’t find a way inside. Check the exterior and interior of your house for places where these beetles could enter. Look for cracks or holes in window and door frames. Gaps in siding can also let bugs into your home. Make sure the screens on doors and windows are in good repair. Seal any openings around pipes or utility wires. Repair loose seals or damaged weather stripping.
2. Minimize Food Sources & Moisture
Removing attractants can help to prevent Asian lady beetles. If these bugs aren’t hanging out in your outdoor space, they’ll be less likely to find their way into your home. These beetles are known for eating aphids and other garden pests. Keeping these bugs out of your garden will help to deter Asian lady beetles. They also feed on damaged produce, so you’ll want to pick up any fallen fruit or vegetables. Like other bugs, Asian lady beetles need moisture, so work to minimize standing water in your yard and home.
3. Turn Off Your Lights
Asian lady beetles are attracted to artificial and natural light. They are also attracted to bright colors. When possible, avoid leaving your exterior lights on at night. It can be helpful to install motion-sensor lights to help keep lighting to a minimum. Changing out your light bulbs can also help. Warm-hued light bulbs are less attractive than bright, white lights. Swapping out the light bulbs can help you to avoid attracting Asian lady beetles to your home.
4. Physically Remove Them
Physically removing Asian lady beetles can help to control an infestation. These overwintering pests like to gather on the exterior of homes in sunny areas before heading indoors. You can use a garden hose to spray these bugs away. If they make their way inside, vacuuming is a great option to remove them. Be sure to empty the contents of the vacuum into a bag and seal it. Place the bag in an outdoor trash can with a tight-fitting lid. Sweeping can also help, but you’ll want to be careful. Crushing Asian lady beetles can result in an unpleasant odor and staining.
5. Use Plant-Based Insecticide Sprays
Plant-based insecticide sprays can help to get rid of Asian lady beetles. Our Home Bug Spray and Yard Bug Spray are formulated using plant oils as the active ingredients. Our Home Bug Spray is great for spot-treating Asian lady beetles in your home. It will kill these pests when they are sprayed directly. It’s best to spray them when they are at rest to get the best spray coverage possible. Our Yard Bug Spray can be used to treat your lawn and vegetation where Asian lady beetles are spotted. You can also do a perimeter treatment, spraying the lower portions of your foundation to about 3 feet out to help deter these bugs from entering your home.
Asian lady beetles may want to settle down in your home, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them. It’s important to take steps to keep these pests from invading your space. If you’re dealing with Asian lady beetles or other overwintering pests, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.