Asian Lady Beetles in Florida
The multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) was introduced into the United States from Asia to control aphids, scale, and other crop pests from 1978 to 1981. They are part of the Coccinellidae family, often mistaken for the native ladybug or other lady beetle species. They’re one of the most common beetle species found in Florida.
It is now widely distributed across the nation. Asian lady beetles may enter homes in large numbers and have become consistent overwintering pests in buildings and homes. That’s because Asian lady beetles cannot survive sub-freezing temperatures, so they seek out warmth and humidity inside.
What Do Asian Lady Beetles Look Like?
Asian lady beetles are multicolored, ranging from yellow to deep red, with black spots on their elytra (wing covers). The pronotum, located behind the head, often features a distinctive black “M” or “W” shape.
Asian lady beetle larvae look different from the adults. They are dark with orange markings and soft, spiky bodies. The pupal stage resembles a small, orange-brown shell.
Signs of an Asian Lady Beetle Infestation
While these beetles can help with biological control in crops, they can become a significant nuisance pest indoors.
Signs of infestation often occur in fall when the beetles seek warm, sheltered areas to overwinter. You may notice large numbers of beetles clustering on walls, windows, or ceilings, especially near light sources. They sometimes enter living areas by squeezing through cracks or wall voids.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Behaviours
Where Do Asian Lady Beetles Live?
Asian lady beetles live in many places, such as agricultural crops, forests, and gardens. They originally came from eastern Asia but have adjusted well to Florida’s warm weather. These beetles like being outdoors where they can eat soft insects like aphids.
In fall, beetles seek out crevices and protected areas around homes to spend the winter, congregating in attics, wall cavities, cracks around door frames, and within soffits and wall voids. They are often found on siding or near light, as they are drawn to bright areas.
Hundreds and even thousands of these beetles have been found in and on homes.
Diet
Asian lady beetles are predators that help with biological control by eating aphids, scale insects, and other pests in agricultural crops.. When food is hard to find, they might also eat fruits or nectar.
This species is a fierce predator of crop pests. It can produce several generations each year. These insects often gather in groups and can enter buildings, making them major structural pests. While Asian Lady Beetles are good to have outdoors, large numbers indoors can cause problems.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of an Asian lady beetle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
Females lay yellow eggs in clusters on leaves near food. The eggs hatch into larvae that look like small, spiny alligators and eat lots of pests. Once they grow, the larvae enter the pupal stage, where they develop inside a protective shell. Then, an adult beetle emerges, ready to reproduce.
The entire cycle can take as little as a month, allowing beetle numbers to grow quickly.
Behaviors
Asian lady beetles often gather in large numbers in cooler months as they seek shelter.
They are attracted to light and may swarm on sunny walls or windows. Asian lady beetles are usually harmless. But, they can be frustrating in living areas. Some people may be allergic to them.
Asian lady beetles are highly adaptable, which helps them thrive in various environments. Their search for warmth makes them a fall nuisance for homeowners.
Are Asian Lady Beetles Dangerous?
Although Asian lady beetles may bite, their bite does not seriously injure humans or spread diseases. If handled or crushed, they will emit a foul odor and leave a stain. This liquid can stain surfaces and may cause allergic reactions, like rhinoconjunctivitis, in sensitive individuals. If this happens, please call your doctor.
If a large number of beetles gain access inside of homes, they can also stain drapery and clothing, making them more of a nuisance than dangerous.
How to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles?
Professional pest control is the most effective solution. Our experts can safely apply insecticidesand seal cracks around windows and walls to stop beetles from re-entering.
If beetles hide in hard-to-reach spots like wall voids or behind baseboards, our l experts can safely locate and remove them. We provide long-term protection by addressing these problem spots, ensuring that beetles don’t return and infest your living spaces again.
Contact Florida Pest Control for help with getting rid of Asian lady beetles today.
Asian Lady Beetle Prevention Tips
To prevent Asian lady beetles from invading your home, try taking these steps:
- Seal entry points, such as cracks, window frames, and vents.
- Install tight-fitting screens on doors and windows.
- Use caulk to close gaps in siding or around pipes.
- Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow bulbs to reduce their attraction to light.
Preventing access to wall voids and living areas is key. Regular maintenance and cleaning will also reduce the chances of an infestation.
For the most effective prevention, talk with our experts at Florida Pest Control
Do You Have a Beetle Infestation Problem? We Can Help.
If you are dealing with an infestation, always contact a licensed beetle exterminator. Let Florida Pest Control handle the problem ad help to keep beetles away from your property for good.
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FAQs
Do Asian lady beetles bite?
Asian lady beetles can bite, but their bite is harmless and doesn’t spread diseases.
Are Asian lady beetles invasive?
Yes, Asian lady beetles are invasive. Introduced for biological control, they have become widespread and often invade homes, especially during the fall to overwinter.
Are Asian lady beetles poisonous?
No, Asian lady beetles are not poisonous. However, they can cause allergic reactions like rhinoconjunctivitis in sensitive individuals.
Are Asian lady beetles harmful to plants?
No, Asian lady beetles do not harm plants. They are beneficial insects that feed on pests like aphids, making them valuable for agricultural crops.
What attracts Asian lady beetles?
Asian lady beetles are attracted to light, warm areas, and food sources like aphids. They may also be drawn to homes seeking shelter for the winter, especially in wall voids or cracks.