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Stop bugging me !
Asian Lady Beetles in Your Home
by Sydni Ingram | Ag and Natural Resources , UGA Extension – Thomas County
Asian Lady beetles , or lady bugs , have been invading peoples homes this winter , but they aren ’ t a new nuisance to our area . These insects are doing just what everyone does during the winter — coming in out of the cold , but they are apparently driving some people crazy . It may be difficult for some to believe , but these lady beetles were intentionally brought to the U . S . from Asia to help to control other pest insects . However , they have become a household nuisance to some .
These are very important insects . They feed on a variety of insects that harm our crops and ornamental plants . Without lady beetles in general , we would be in a world of hurt , and not from their bite ! Female Asian lady beetles lay eggs near large populations of aphids , mites , thrips , scales , and butterfly eggs , or moth eggs so that their larvae can feed on these common pests . Since the beetles prey on pest insects this reduces pesticide use in the landscape and agriculture as a whole . Some have also suggested that the Asian lady beetle eats other beneficial native lady beetles , however , this has not been scientifically proven .
Many become concerned with the large numbers of lady beetles that congregate outside and sometimes inside homes during the cooler months , but they are not harmful . In their native dwelling the Asian lady beetle would be gathering on rock outcrops , but here they are drawn to light colored homes and cars . They are simply exhibiting their normal overwintering behavior . Reflective surfaces can attract them from farther distances and this is why they can be found in higher numbers on these types of surfaces . During cooler weather they will be much slower moving , but indoors in a warmer area they are typically more active .
Asian lady beetles may be more aggressive than native lady beetles , but if they do bite it will not hurt for long . If you try to catch them they may bite or you may wind up with a yucky yellow liquid on your hand , but don ’ t worry , the yucky yellow liquid will wash off . Using pesticides to kill the lady beetles will result in dead lady beetles in the house that may produce an undesirable odor as they decompose . If the lady beetles cannot be tolerated , they can be collected with a vacuum and released outside . However , once they are frightened they may expel the yellow liquid that has an unpleasant smell . To prevent them from coming inside , be sure to seal crevices that they could be using to get in . Ultimately the Asian lady beetles are not harmful and provide an important biocontrol service .
UGA Extension Thomas County can be reached at ( 229 ) 225-4130 .
44 Spring 2023 | Thomasville Scene