Lady Beetles, Not Ladybugs In Your Home

Upper Cumberland residents are noticing more lady beetles hanging out inside and outside the home this season.

Putnam County Ag Extension Agent Wayne Key said the species are known as the Asian Lady Beetle and are commonly mistaken for ladybugs. Both are very similar with the lady beetle having an orange tint and fewer black dots. Key said lady beetles are more prevalent this time of year as they are looking for warm places to escape cold temperatures and also hibernate. Key said lady beetles are harmless and can be beneficial to gardeners and farmers.

“Their main reason they were introduced here in the United States is to control Aphids,” Key said. “So they are considered a beneficial insect. An Aphid is a small clear-like bug that is very small-like the size of a pinhead that will land on leaves and they will suck and pierce the leaf parts and suck out the juices and can be pretty detrimental.”

Key said lady beetles are attracted to light or white colors and they can infiltrate homes and be a nuisance to homeowners. Key said the best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them.

“We don’t really recommend any type of insecticides inside the home,” Key said. “Some of the permethrin products can be put on outside as kind of a barrier to keep them getting around windows and doors and eases and thresholds.”

Key said you don’t want to mash the bugs as they can leave stains on walls and floors. Key also said if you mash them you will get a stinky surprise.

“They release an odor similar to the brown marmorated or the green stink bug does you know, they have an odor to them,” Key said. “These Asian Lady beetles are the same way.”

Key said if you only smash one or two lady beetles the smell would not last very long. Key said he recommends calling pest control if a homeowner is experiencing a severe infestation. Key said once the weather starts to turn more cold the lady beetles will pack their bags and move elsewhere.