How to Tell Asian Lady Beetles From Ladybugs
Asian lady beetles are the ones that invade homes. Native ladybugs rarely do.
- Color: Ranges from pale yellow to orange to red
- Spots: The number of spots varies, and some have none at all
- The best clue: A white patch on the area behind the head with a black M or W shaped mark
- Size: Slightly larger than most native ladybugs, about a quarter to three eighths of an inch
- Behavior: They gather in groups on light colored walls, windows and door frames in fall
If you see a large group gathering on the side of your house, it is most likely Asian lady beetles.
Why They Invade Downers Grove Homes
Asian lady beetles were introduced in the United States to control aphids on crops and trees. They do a good job outdoors. But in fall, as the weather cools, they look for a place to spend winter and are drawn to tall, light colored buildings and sunny walls.
They crawl into tiny gaps around windows, siding, fascia, soffits, doors and attic vents, then settle in wall spaces and attics. On warm days in winter or early spring, they wake up and come out into rooms.
Problems Lady Beetles Cause
They can bite. Asian lady beetles sometimes pinch or bite skin. It is usually mild, but it can be startling.
They stain. When disturbed or crushed, they release a yellow orange fluid that can stain walls, curtains and fabrics and has a strong smell.
They can trigger allergies. Some people develop allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes or a runny nose, when large numbers are indoors.
They are hard to live with. Big numbers of beetles on windows and light fixtures are a nuisance, and they keep appearing through winter.
They do not damage your home, breed indoors or eat wood.
When Lady Beetles Are a Problem
- Late summer and early fall: They leave crops and trees and start looking for shelter
- October, on warm sunny days: This is when large groups land on houses, especially after the first cool nights
- Winter: They hide in walls and attics and come out on warm days
- Spring: They leave the house and head back outside
The best time for exterior treatment is late summer to early fall, before they gather.
How We Control Asian Lady Beetles
1. Inspection. We check the sunny sides of your home, windows, doors, siding, soffits and roof edges to find where beetles gather and enter.
2. Exterior treatment. We treat the outside walls and entry points where the beetles land and try to get in. This reduces the number that make it indoors.
3. Seal entry points. We show you the gaps that need sealing.
4. Advice for indoors. We explain how to safely remove beetles that are already inside.
What to Do if Lady Beetles Are Already Inside
- Vacuum them. Use a vacuum hose and empty it outside afterward. They can leave an odor in the machine, so a dedicated or older vacuum works best
- Do not crush them. Crushed beetles stain fabrics and walls
- Do not spray indoors. Sprays do not reach beetles in walls, and dead beetles in wall voids can draw other pests
- Wait to seal. If beetles are already inside walls, sealing gaps before they leave can trap them, so seal after they have gone in spring or before fall
Ways to Keep Them Out
- Caulk gaps around windows, doors, siding, fascia and utility lines
- Repair torn window screens and door sweeps
- Cover attic and roof vents with fine mesh
- Keep the sunny sides of your home clean of debris
- Have an exterior treatment done before fall gathers begin
Lady Beetle Control Across Downers Grove
We treat lady beetles in homes and businesses throughout Downers Grove, including ZIP codes 60515 and 60516, and in nearby towns such as Lisle, Woodridge, Westmont and Darien. If you are close by, call us anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Asian lady beetles harmful?
They do not damage homes or spread disease. They can bite, stain and cause allergy symptoms in some people, so it is best to keep them out.
Why do lady beetles come into my house?
They are looking for a warm, protected place to spend the winter. Light colored, sunny walls are a magnet for them in fall.
Are these the same as ladybugs?
They are related, but the Asian lady beetle is a different species. Look for the M or W shaped mark behind the head. Native ladybugs stay outdoors and are helpful in the garden.
Do lady beetles bite?
Sometimes, yes. The bite is a small pinch and is usually not serious. If someone has a strong reaction, talk to a doctor.
Why do they keep showing up all winter?
The beetles hiding inside your walls and attic warm up on sunny days or when the heat is on, and they wake and wander into living areas.
Will they come back every year?
They can, especially if your home has sunny, light colored walls or gaps they can use. Exterior treatment in late summer and sealing entry points help reduce the number of beetles.
Is treatment safe for children and pets?
Your technician follows the product label and tells you where products were applied and how long to keep children and pets away from treated areas.
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