Think You’ve Spotted a Ladybug Indoors? It Might Be This Invasive Lookalike Instead

Asian lady beetles have become a common sight for homeowners during the winter and are often mistaken for ladybugs. Although they help control pests in gardens, Asian lady beetles have no place inside your home. Once indoors, these beneficial insects become pests themselves—and an even bigger nuisance—as they seek shelter.

During the cooler months, Asian lady beetles hibernate in clusters, and when they feel threatened, they can bite and release a foul-smelling defensive chemical. To help you identify and get rid of Asian lady beetles in your home this winter, we spoke with a biologist and pest control specialist.

What Are Invasive Asian Lady Beetles?

Asian lady beetles, known by the scientific name Harmonia axyridis, are originally from Asia. They are one of many types of lady beetles. According to Glené Mynhardt, PhD, associate professor of biology with a specialization in entomology and systematics at Hanover College, they are also called the multicolored Asian beetle and the harlequin beetle.

"The Asian lady beetle was originally introduced to control destructive soybean aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to plants," said Mynhardt. "Generally speaking, ladybugs are excellent natural predators of small sap-feeding insects and are wonderful insects to have in your backyard."

How to Identify Asian Lady Beetles From Ladybugs

Asian lady beetles can vary widely in appearance. Their coloring can range from solid black to red with spots, with anywhere from zero to 20 spots.

Because of this variation, they can be difficult for homeowners to identify. The most common appearance in North America is red with black spots and black-and-white markings that resemble an "M" or "W" just below the head. Asian lady beetles are also larger than native ladybugs, which can help in identifying them.

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Are They a Risk to People and Pets?

Like ladybugs, Asian lady beetles are harmless to people and pets, but they can still be a nuisance because they overwinter in large clusters inside homes. "Because of their natural behavior, they like to hide and hibernate in small cavities in their natural environments," says Mynhardt.

People and pets are usually not of interest to them unless the beetles feel threatened. "Some people report skin irritation or beetles biting them, though it is important to know that they usually only do this as a defense or perhaps as a source of salt, which is found in our sweat," says Mynhardt.

The tiny spurs on their legs can also prick the skin and leave marks that are often mistaken for bites.

How to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles

While it may be your first instinct, crushing the beetles isn't recommended—when threatened, they release a foul-smelling chemical that signals others to seek a new habitat, says Mynhardt. The chemical also stains furniture, making cleanup unpleasant for homeowners. Fortunately, there are a couple of other ways to get rid of Asian lady beetles.

• Apply natural repelling oils: Stew Muir, a technical safety manager and associated certified entomologist at JP McHale Pest Management, recommends applying natural oils, such as mint and cedar, to the eaves and along second-floor windows to help repel Asian lady beetles. Because these areas can be difficult to reach, call a professional if needed. While natural oils can be effective, they require frequent reapplication.
• Physically remove them: If the beetles do get inside, sweep, scoop, or vacuum them up and release them outdoors, where they can hibernate naturally. Once outside, their natural predators will help keep their population in check, according to Mynhardt.

How to Prevent Asian Lady Beetles

To prevent Asian lady beetles from entering your home, seal all potential openings. "These areas include around eaves, around all doors and windows, screens on attic vents, foundations of the home, and weather stripping on garage doors," says Muir. "The best time to do this is in the summer, before these pests have a chance to enter the home."

After you spot the first Asian lady beetle sighting outside your home, Muir recommends calling a professional. A pro can treat the trees and shrubs near your house where openings may exist, preventing the beetles from getting inside.

If you don't want to professionally treat your property, Mynhardt suggests contacting your local extension office. They can offer natural, region-specific methods to manage the pests without relying on pesticides.