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The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia Axyridis) , spend the winter months inside older homes in the Northeast for hibernation. A native to Asia, this beneficial ladybug was imported in the early 1900′s to help naturally control pest populations that were damaging crops such as alfalfa, pecan and citrus trees. The beneficial aspects of releasing the ladybug were for: reducing the need for pesticides and to help prevent diseases to the hardwood forests carrying aphids, mites and scale insects. The Asian lady Beetle is no longer released for control.

The Asian Lady Beetle is much like its counter part as far as shape, and size. However, their colors may vary from, red, and orange to a dull cream. Unlike the well known native species it is much more aggressive and have been known to bite if bothered when they are seeking shelter for the winter months. Masses of ladybugs have been known to gather in bedrooms and kitchens.

They are attracted to light colored older homes, especially those facing the southwestern sun exposure side. They are after the heat that the houses reflect. Once ladybugs have penetrated the home , they are hard to get rid of. Older homes are the usual target because of lack of insulation, easy access through cracks around windows, door ways and under clap boards, but newer structures are invaded as well.

Ladybugs release pheromones, it’s their way of marking an area to let others know where they are setting up camp. This chemical scent can be detected up to 1/4 mile away. This scent released remains outside the structure, inside the walls for future gatherings. Removal of this chemical is almost impossible.

To prevent ladybugs from coming back each year, seal cracks around the windows, doors, clap boards and any other entry ways you may find.

It isn’t suggested to threaten them. Startle a ladybug, and the foul-smelling fluid will seep from its leg joints, leaving yellow stains on the surface below. This has been known to stain light colored surfaces. Potential predators may be deterred by the vile mix of alkaloids, and equally repulsed by the sight of a seemingly sickly beetle. Ladybug larvae can ooze alkaloids from their abdomens. This could be harmful for pets.

Lady bugs aren’t poisonous to humans and they won’t eat fabric, plants, paper or any other household items. They eat APHIDS. Aphids are very small, but are a very destructive pest that feed on plants. (If you have rose bushes, you have probably seen aphids.) Ladybugs, while trying to hibernate in your house, live off their own body fats. They, also prefer a little humidity, such as around a skylight. But here in New England we don’t have much humidity during the winter months. In fact, most ladybug guests die from dehydration.

If you don’t have a lot of them it is best to leave them alone. I would suggest using a “shop vacuum”. This type of vacuum is easy to use for the collection of them. When using this type of vacuum for removing the ladybugs, use a clean bag or pad the bottom with a cloth. Once all are vacuumed up you can bring the machine outside to release them.

Another method for getting rid of the ladybugs is a product called a Ladybug Black Light Trap. It uses radiating black light to attract and contain the ladybugs.

Because ladybugs infest homes yearly, many homeowners will install outside a ladybug house for them to hibernate in. If you decide to make a ladybug house or buy one they are attracted to light blue, pink and yellow. You can spray it down with a fruity smelling perfume. I would only do this in the spring.

” Ladybug, Ladybug Fly Away”

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