Warmer weather has brought the Asian Lady Beetle out of its winter hibernation in Pennsylvania. Unlike its American cousin however, this bug has a bite. Commonly called a Ladybug, the Asian Lady Beetle was first introduced into the United States in 1916 near New Orleans, LA to help control aphid infestation on crops. The first surviving populations of the beetle were detected in the U.S. in 1988. The species has since been released or has spread into different regions of the country for the same purpose and was first observed in Pennsylvania in 1993.
While not considered a nuisance pest, the Asian Lady Beetle can swarm homes in late spring as they prepare for winter. As the temperatures warm in late winter and early spring, the insects leave their winter home inside the walls and attics of homes and can make their way inside living areas. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), "Lady beetles that enter wall spaces in the fall may remain there, without entering living areas, until they depart in spring to search for food. But some may become active on warm days in late winter or early spring and move into living areas."
While Lady Beetles do not lay eggs inside homes, they can take advantage of small cracks to infest the living areas of a home. Some swarms can reach thousands of insects as they gather on windows, ceilings and walls. Pesticides do work to kill the insects but Pennsylvania State University officials warn against using chemicals to alleviate an infestation. Steve Jacobs, Sr. Extension Associate wrote that “aerosol-type pyrethrum foggers will kill beetles that have amassed on ceilings and walls in living areas, it will not prevent more beetles from emerging shortly after the room is aerated. For this reason use of these materials is not considered a good solution to long-term management of the problem. Spray insecticides, directed into the cracks and crevices where beetles emerge will not prevent them from emerging and is not a viable or recommended treatment.”
The simplest recommendation for severe Lady Beetle infestations inside the home is to vacuum the insects as they appear and the temporary application of tape outside the home over cracks and gaps to block entry inside.
In addition to swarming which native lady beetles don’t do, the Asian Lady Beetle will also bite or pinch if crushed against exposed skin. While the bite is not serious, it can be painful.
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