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Ladybugs In Homes
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The
multicolored Asian lady beetle in homes
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Summary: The multicolor Asian lady
beetle (ladybug) was intentionally imported into the
US to help control aphid pests. Ironically,
it has been so successful that large populations
sometimes develop and become nuisance pests that
invade homes.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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The problem with
ladybugs
Ladybugs, or lady
beetles, are normally beneficial insects in that all
active stages are predators of garden pests like
aphids and spider mites. In other words, we want
lady beetles in our gardens. The problem
happens when adult beetles try to enter our homes in
the fall with the purpose of sheltering there until
spring.
Most lady beetles
literally "head for the hills" in the fall and
shelter in natural cavities. A new imported species,
the multicolor Asian lady beetle, likes to
spend winters at lower elevations and our houses
happen to be very handy. If they gain entry they can
be a nuisance pest all winter. They do no direct
harm but some believe they contribute to
indoor allergies and their droppings can be very
messy.
misspellings and
misnomers: Asian lady bug beetle, ladybugs,
ladybeetle
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Harmonia
axyridis, the multicolor Asian lady
beetle; photo by USDA/ARS; many color
forms are possible.
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What are Asian lady
beetles?
The multicolor Asian
lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is not
native to the US. The beetle was intentionally
imported a number of years ago to control aphids
that feed in trees. This lady beetle has been so
successful, however, that populations have increased
to the point that in some areas the beetles have
become a nuisance pest. So, on the one hand, they
serve a beneficial purpose as predators of pest aphids
but they are also seen as pests themselves by some
homeowners.
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What to do to about Harmonia
Try to prevent lady
beetles from entering homes in the fall by sealing
cracks, fixing broken screens, and so forth. These
measures will have the added benefit of sealing out
other pests as well as the weather.
If beetles get indoors
sweep them up and deposit them outside. Some people
even store them in the refrigerator for release into
the garden in the spring; give them a little water in
a plastic container. In either case don't resort
to insecticides. Insecticides won't be very
effective and they can cause health problems too.
Remember, as pesky as
lady beetles may be indoors, outdoors they really are
good for your landscape and garden as natural
predators.
Harmonia
axyridis Guide (pdf)];
Information and pictures of the various color forms of
this "multicolored" beetle.
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Mission: To
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for solving common insect and mite problems around
your home, business and landscape using least-toxic
methods.
Jack DeAngelis,
Ph.D.
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