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You see them in the fall, crawling on your curtains or flying around your overhead lights. They’re small, they’re red, and you probably call them ladybugs. But is that really what they are?
Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles might look a lot alike, but they’re actually pretty different when it comes to behavior. It’s super easy to confuse the two—we’ve all done it! But knowing the difference can help you figure out if you’re just spotting a few friendly bugs or dealing with a real pest problem. The team at All-American is here to help you tell them apart and know what steps to take if these lookalike pests start taking over your home.
Are Asian Lady Beetles the Same as Ladybugs?
Asian lady beetles and ladybugs are two different insects. They look extremely similar, which is why it’s so easy to get them mixed up. They both have dome-shaped bodies and are typically a reddish color with dark spots. However, there are a few key differences in their appearance.
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Asian lady beetles have an 'M'-shaped mark behind their heads, but ladybugs do not.
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Native ladybugs are generally red with a consistent number of spots, while Asian lady beetles can vary in color and spot placement.
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Asian lady beetles tend to be slightly larger than ladybugs.
Asian lady beetles and ladybugs also differ in behavior. Ladybugs are beneficial bugs that tend to stay outdoors. They eat aphids, which helps plant life, and they are harmless to humans.
Asian lady beetles can be a real nuisance, especially when they start showing up in big numbers inside your home. Unlike their lookalike cousins, these bugs can cause a bit more trouble; they give off a stinky odor, might bite, and can even trigger allergies for some people.
Definitely not the kind of guest you want hanging around!
Why Are Asian Lady Beetles a Problem Indoors?
Asian lady beetles are seasonal pests. They usually come indoors in search of shelter in the fall when the temperature starts to drop. You’ll likely start to notice them on your walls and in the corners of your ceilings before they move into wall voids or your attic for the winter.
Although they are mainly just a nuisance, they do cause a few problems when they get inside your house.
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Asian lady beetles can damage your property by leaving yellowish stains on walls, curtains, and furniture.
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They emit an unpleasant odor and fluid.
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Some people are allergic to them.
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They can bite, causing mild itching or irritation.
Are Asian Lady Beetles Harmful?
Asian lady beetles might not be venomous, but they can still be a bit of a bother. They’re known to bite occasionally, and some people may have mild allergic reactions to their bites or the yellowish fluid they release, such as itching or skin irritation. In rare cases, especially for those with asthma or certain allergies, they could even cause some respiratory issues. So it’s best to avoid handling them directly when you can; better safe than itchy!
How to Tell if You Have Asian Lady Beetles in Your Home
There are several signs that you have an Asian lady beetle issue in your house. Look for any or all of the following:
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Small beetles gathering on sunny walls, especially near windows
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Beetles are found in attics, ceilings, and wall voids
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Large numbers of beetles on south-facing exterior walls in the fall or early spring
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Small yellow stains on your walls
If you see any of these signs, the tips below will help you deal with the issue.
What to Do if You See an Asian Lady Beetle Indoors
If you start finding Asian lady beetles inside your house, there are several things you can do to help get rid of them. Keep the following tips in mind.
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Vacuum carefully using a stocking or filter to avoid odors.
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Avoid squishing the beetles, as they release foul-smelling fluid.
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Seal cracks around doors, windows, and siding to prevent new Asian lady beetles from getting inside.
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Reduce outdoor lighting in the fall to make your home less attractive to these pests.
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Contact the pest experts at All-American Pest Control to safely and thoroughly eliminate and prevent Asian lady beetles.
How to Repel or Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles
The best way to get rid of Asian lady beetles is to prevent them from getting into your house in the first place. There are a variety of things you can do to prevent an Asian lady beetle infestation. These include:
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Using vinegar or citrus-based cleaners to deter Asian lady beetles
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Using diatomaceous earth or soapy water for DIY prevention options
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Sealing cracks and gaps around the exterior of your house
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Replacing outdoor light bulbs with yellow bug-repelling bulbs
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Installing door sweeps and weatherstripping
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Contacting the pest professionals at All-American for routine preventative perimeter treatments
When to Call a Pest Control Expert
There are several reasons to call in the professionals to help you deal with your Asian lady beetle problem. They include:
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If these beetles invade every fall
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If you find large groups indoors or in your attic
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If your DIY prevention methods are not working
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If you want year-round pest control prevention options
Call All-American Pest Control for Asian Lady Beetle Control
All-American Pest Control can help you get your Asian lady beetle issues under control. Whether they are already in your house, they show up each year, or you just want to stop an infestation before it starts, we offer the services you need. Contact us to schedule your free home evaluation today.
Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Sango, Woodlawn, Cunningham, Palmyra, Southside, Fredonia, Hilldale, Hickory Point, Clarksville, Ashland Hills, New Providence, St. Bethlehem, Needmore, Oakridge, Port Royal, Shady Grove, South Guthrie, Southaven, Dotsonville, Hampton Station, Marion, Rossview, and the entire Montgomery County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free home evaluation online.