Asian Lady Beetles are most commonly seen inside homes during the winter months. Throughout this time of year, the beetle is seeking a hibernation spot to be protected from colder temperatures. Even though the beetle is considered beneficial for your garden by eating aphids, they can become a problem when entering homes. They make their way into walls, attics, windows, or burrow within ceilings. Learn more about these pests here!

Where do Asian Lady Beetles originate?

The beetle is originally from parts of China, Russia, Korea, and Japan where the beetles live in trees and fields eating bugs like aphids. This species was first seen in the United States in 1988 in Louisiana. Now you can find the Lady Beetle all across the country and even in parts of Canada. 

What is their lifespan and life cycle?

The lifespan of an Asian Lady Beetle is 30 to 90 days. 

Adult Lady Beetles begin to lay their eggs on host plants in the spring. Within three to five days the eggs will hatch with larva beetles. Once the larva has exited their egg, they’ll begin to search for aphids and other small insects to eat. It will take the larvae four times to molt to initiate their immobile pupal stage. After four days, the larvae will emerge from the pupal case and will be a full-grown adult Asian Lady Beetle. 

What attracts Asian Lady Beetles?

The Asian Lady Beetle is only attracted to your house due to the protection it provides throughout the winter. It will only stay in your house until the weather begins to warm up. Then it will leave to begin its mating process outdoors or it will become trapped inside your home trying to leave. 

Once a beetle has hibernated in your home for the winter sometimes it will leave behind pheromones for the next generation. These pheromones are very strong and can be detected up to ¼ mile away. This will attract a larger number of beetles the next season and can cause a more serious problem than before. Artificial light outside and in your house can also attract beetles. 

What do Asian Lady Beetles look like?

The Asian Lady Beetle looks extremely similar to the well-known Ladybug. However, this species is slightly larger by measuring 6mm long. The coloration can vary from yellowish orange to red with no spots to a tan color, but the orange-colored variation is the most common. The female beetles have more black spots than the males. Their head will have a black outline of an M or W shaped marking, which ladybugs do not have. 

When are Asian Lady Beetles most active?

This species is going to be more active during the spring months and early fall. This is when the Asian Lady Beetles are mating, laying almost a hundred eggs per season, and eating on their prey. 

What can I do to keep Asian Lady Beetles out of the house?

There is no way to keep every beetle out of your house. The best way to keep out small pests is by hiring a pest control company to create a chemical barrier. Treating the inside of your home is equally important, the most important areas are windows, areas between pipes and walls, and areas that may be large enough for pests to enter.

Do Asian Lady Beetles bite?

The Asian Lady Beetle does bite, you’ll only feel a pinch and it’ll only cause you annoyance. If a large number of beetles are present, rest assured that they do not carry around diseases and will not transfer diseases to you or your pets.

How do you find and eliminate breeding grounds?

To find breeding grounds, look in the nearby bushes and plants near your home. If you find a small cluster of brown, black, or gray eggs then you should treat your plants for aphids using pesticides. By treating your plants you’re preventing breeding grounds around your home. If the beetles don’t see a food source on the host plant, they’re not going to lay eggs near your home. 

How fast do they multiply?

An adult beetle can lay 30 to 100 eggs per season depending on how long the warm weather lasts in your area. This means there can be up to 2 to 3 generations per season. 

What damages can they cause to my house?

If you disturb the beetles in their resting place, they may secrete an odor and leave a yellow stain. In the wild, this is used as a defense against birds and other predators trying to eat them. If you are handling the beetles for a long period of time, research has shown that some individuals have developed an allergic reaction. Individuals should avoid touching their eyes once they’ve finished handling the beetles.

Feeding Habits

Larvae and Adult Asian Lady Beetles both prefer to eat aphids and small pests that live in fields, gardens, and trees. When it’s warm outside you’ll find this species eating on the pests that cause damages elsewhere. 

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