Pest ID Tool Insect Addition - Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle

Asian multicolored lady beetles are invasive pests first brought to the United States as beneficial insects. Also known as harlequin ladybirds, these Asian natives were introduced to eat insect pests on agricultural crops, but what came next wasn't planned. As with Japanese beetles, these beetles' natural predators don't live in the United States, so their populations multiplied unexpectedly and they spread throughout the United States. In fall, they cause serious problems for cool-climate homeowners when swarms of thousands invade homes to overwinter.

Asian Lady Beetle Identification

Asian multicolored lady beetles look like native ladybugs at first glance, but they're simple to identify on closer inspection. Approximately 1/3-inch long, these pests are larger and rounder than normal ladybugs. Their color varies from yellow to orange to red and occasionally black. Native ladybugs have set numbers of black spots, depending on their species, but spots on Asian multicolored lady beetles vary from none to 19. A key identifying feature is a black, M-shaped mark that appears in a white area right behind their heads. No other lady beetle has that marking.

Asian Lady Beetle Signs or Damage

In the garden, Asian multicolored lady beetles feed on aphids, just as native ladybugs do. When fall comes, these pests aggressively swarm sun-warmed homes, crawling in through tiny cracks and crevices. Some homeowners discover entire ceilings covered indoors. When disturbed, Asian multicolored lady beetles emit an unpleasant odor, much like boxelder bugs, and secrete a yellow-orange liquid that stains walls, window coverings and clothes. On top of that, they can bite humans hard enough to break the skin. Native ladybugs do none of those things.

How to Control Asian Lady Beetles

Because Asian multicolored lady beetles enter homes through any available openings, effective control starts with sealing potential entry points and creating a perimeter of protection around your home. GardenTech® brand offers several highly effective products that kill Asian multicolored lady beetles on contact, before they can get inside. Then, they keep protecting for up to three months:

Sevin® Insect Killer Granules create a ground-level barrier around your home's foundation. Apply the granules with a normal lawn spreader in a 5- to 10-foot band around your home. Then, water the area well to release the active ingredient and kill Asian multicolored lady beetles by contact.
Sevin® Insect Killer Concentrate provides a simple, economical way to treat lawns, gardens and foundations up to 3 feet high. Add the non-staining concentrate to a pump-style sprayer using the convenient measuring cap. Then add water, mix well, and spray targeted surfaces thoroughly.
Sevin® Insect Killer Ready To Spray attaches to a normal garden hose and does the measuring and mixing for you as you spray. This non-staining formula treats gardens, lawn areas and your home's foundation up to a maximum height of 3 feet. Spray surfaces thoroughly for optimum protection.

Asian Lady Beetle Control Tip: Asian multicolored lady beetles start invading homes around fall's first freeze. This typically happens in September or October in affected regions. Treat proactively, before they show up, to protect your home against what's to come.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.

GardenTech is a registered trademark of Gulfstream Home and Garden, Inc.

Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc.