Fall sightings of ladybugs are a sign of winter’s appearance. Ladybugs come out in the spring and bask in the warmth of the sun all summer long. As the temperatures begin to cool, you may find ladybugs inside the warmest, sun-filled areas of your home. We have one customer who finds them on the windowsills of the southwest corner of her home.
Is it an Asian Lady Beetle or the American Ladybug?
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, both look a lot alike and behave the same. There are a few ways to tell them apart:
- American Ladybug: Has a shiny black pronotum (the area between the head and body) with two tiny white circles. Bodies are a dark red with black spots.
- Asian Lady Beetle: Has a very distinctive white “W” shape on its pronotum (the area between the head and body) Their bodies are usually orange or yellowish with black spots.
Are ladybugs harmful?
Gardeners often welcome ladybugs to the yard. They eat small worms, aphids, and other garden pests. Often drawn to the scent of certain herbs such as dill, they gather around your home from early spring to early fall. In search of warmth, ladybugs enter your home through a tiny crack in a window or door. Soon, the word gets out, and you may find dozens to hundreds of ladybugs.
Ladybugs do not eat or chew on furniture or clothing. But ladybugs can be destructive and can appear in large numbers when searching for a hibernation spot. If the ladybugs feel threatened, they can secrete a yellow liquid that may stain light-colored surfaces. Homeowners complain about these stains on drapery, blinds, and windowsills.
Do ladybugs bite?
The Asian ladybug is the bad boy of ladybugs. They can be aggressive, and they do bite, although no part of their body enters your skin. It is more like a pinch or nip. Equipped with a surprisingly sharp mouth part, the sting of the bite can be quite painful. If, however, you have a reaction such as swelling or infection, seek medical attention immediately. Overall, if a ladybug lands on you, we don’t want you to fear it.
Close-up of a smiling young woman gently holding a ladybug
However, ladybugs can be dangerous to dogs. Asian ladybugs or beetles can be toxic to dogs. When a dog bites or chews the Asian ladybugs, the chemical reaction can release toxins and cause burns in the dog’s mouth. The owner may be able to remove the ladybugs, but signs of foaming, drooling, or lethargy indicates it is time to bring your pet to the veterinarian.
Should I call a pest control company when I find ladybugs?
If you find a few ladybugs in the warm corner of your home, we suggest you monitor that area after you have vacuumed up the ladybugs. Should they return or if you witness signs of an infestation, please call us at 518-374-0357. We will send out a trained technician to inspect the area and suggest options for treatment. There is no cost for the inspection.
Ask us about Accushield. Protect your home or business with AccuShield. The experts at Accurate Pest Control will evaluate the structure and locate areas where pests and nuisance wildlife can gain entry. A complete evaluation is performed and reviewed with the homeowner or business owner and a course of action is determined.
References: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/where-did-all-the-ladybugs-come-from-8235#:~:text=Fall%20infestations%20of%20these%20beetles,sunniest%20side%20of%20your%20house. And https://ladybugplanet.com/do-ladybugs-bite-which-ones-why-and-what-to-do-about-it/ and https://thebark.com/content/dogs-mouths-damaged-ladybugs#:~:text=Ladybugs%20can%20cause%20chemical%20burns,be%20something%20to%20check%20for.
