In the last few years, have you noticed an increase in Ladybugs lined up on your windowsill in October, or a few on a warm winter day?
The multicolored beetle is often called a Ladybug or the Halloween Beetle, because of the yellow-orange color and significant population in mid to late October. It is unlike our native species and there is some controversy as to how the Asian Lady Beetle has made her way to the United States. It seems to have been through a number of accidental and planned releases.
The Asian Lady Beetle was first officially reported in Michigan in 1994. Now, it is a significant and well established part of Michigan’s eco-system and for many a seasonal annoyance. Native lady bugs head for high elevations in the fall to seek shelter for their winter hibernation. Yet, this newer imported species likes to spend their winters lower and our homes are the perfect hibernation spot!
They congregate in large numbers in mid to late fall to find a group hibernation spot. As winter draws closer, they cluster on the side of homes and other buildings looking for any small crack or crevice they can call home. Once they have found their resting spot, they hibernate until the first warm days of late winter and early spring.
Fortunately, lady beetles are not dangerous to your home. They do not chew, bore holes, eat carpet, or lay eggs in the home. They are simply looking for a resting spot for the winter. Yet, if they are disturbed they may try to defend themselves by emitting a yellow-orange fluid. This fluid has an odor and can permanently stain walls, carpeting, etc., so avoid swatting or crushing the beetle.
The best way to control the Asian Lady Beetle is prevention. Eliminate any points of entry on the interior and exterior of your home. Most importantly is the interior of your home. Caulk places where pipes, conduits, and wires come through the wall. After all, you probably wouldn’t mind the Asian Lady Beetle hibernating under your siding, if none of them entered your living area. While they may be a nuisance, Asian Lady Beetles are helpful predators that seek out aphids, scale insects, spider mites, and many other pests that injure plants in our garden, landscaping, and agricultural crops.
They are particularly good predators against soft bodied pests. Thus, they have been credited for significantly decreasing the use of pesticides used by homeowners and farmers. So add a quick home inspection to your October maintenance list and the Asian Lady Beetle will safely hibernate outside your home.
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Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
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