This is also a great way to suck the bugs out if you can’t really reach them. Lady beetles like to hide in hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces, attics, and behind drywall to stay warm. The beetles aren’t actually bad for the environment, and they don’t damage homes where they set up shop for the winter. If you can, release the bugs outside without killing them.
Asian lady beetles are beneficial insects—they control aphids and other nuisance pests. Letting them live is ideal, even if you don’t want them around your home. [3] X Research source Avoid squishing the beetles! They release a stinky pheromone and leave behind stains.
If the bugs are outside swarming against your vinyl siding, hang the light in your garden away from your home. Bug bombs do not work with the Asian lady beetles, so don’t bother fogging your home.
You can also pour diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home to keep lady beetles and other pests away. Make sure that you use the insecticide version of diatomaceous earth, not the food-grade version. It will say which kind of diatomaceous earth it is in on the label.
If they don’t die, this may work to keep the bugs from advancing any further.
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Unfortunately, these insecticides are toxic. They can damage your skin and they’re lung irritants. Wear a dust mask and gloves when using them and clean any surface you spray thoroughly after you discard the dead bugs. [10] X Research source It may be tempting to empty an insecticide into a crack in the wall where the bugs are coming out, but it’s unlikely to have a positive impact. The dead beetles may also attract other bugs, so leaving them in your wall may not work out so well. [11] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
Asian lady beetles hibernate high off of the ground wherever they can find warmth. As such, they’ll often dig their way into crawl spaces, attics, and gaps in walls on the second and third floors of buildings. If possible, try to find an exterminator who has experience working with Asian lady beetles. These bugs haven’t been around the US for very long.
If you have a garden, the Asian lady beetles are good for your plants! They eat aphids and other scale insects that kill plants, and they’re tougher than ladybugs in the pest-cleanup department. [14] X Research source
This is really the first step you should take, and the best way to keep the lady beetles out in the future. They’re not especially adept at breaking into homes. In fact, you may even see a swarm on the exterior of your building just hibernating in the open if they can’t get in.
This is a good option if it’s impossible to seal up your home because it’s very old or you have major repairs to make. The lady beetles prefer unshaded walls that get a lot of sun. If your home is especially large, at least cover the western and southern exterior walls. [18] X Research source
If you want to focus specifically on modifying one part of your home, focus on the southwestern side of the building. This side will get more sun and the beetles are generally attracted to sunny areas.
If the bug is in your house, it’s probably a lady beetle. Lady bugs don’t want to be inside of your house, while lady beetles will try to seek shelter when it starts to get cold out. [21] X Research source Asian lady beetles are also known as Asian lady bugs or multi-colored lady beetles. They’re all the same thing, though.
It’s important to note that they don’t want to be in your home, as well. The lady beetles only wander inside because they’re lost, and they’ll leave if you take them outside!
Most people will just be annoyed by the smell. Allergic reactions are rare and unlikely to be serious (it’s usually just sinus and skin irritation). Still, better safe than sorry! The bite isn’t dangerous, although it might be alarming. Many people compare it to a small pinprick. You can prevent the bites by wearing long sleeves and gloves. Also, wear clothes that you don’t mind throwing in the wash. These bugs can leave yellow stains behind, and you may need to wash your clothes if they rub against you. [24] X Research source
