Along with the beautiful fall tree colors comes the annual migration of Asian ladybeetles. Asian ladybeetles were introduced into the United States in the 1970’s to control the Pecan aphid in Georgia. Unfortunately, they have worked their way up and overtaken the native ladybug population in many parts of the country. While native ladybugs tend to over-winter in mulch piles or hollow logs outdoors, the Asian ladybeetle is drawn to warm areas indoors. If your house is over-run with ladybeetles, more than likely it is the Asian ladybeetle. Both Asian and native ladybeetles are beneficial to the garden but are a nuisance indoors. Large amounts of migrating Asian ladybeetles may congregate on window sills and near light fixtures. Watch out! Asian ladybeetles do bite and secrete a smelly yellow liquid that stains.
Luckily, Asian ladybeetles are easily controlled and do not cause any major harm indoors. Plus, the migration period is short-lived. Asian ladybeetles do not reproduce or eat indoors. Vacuuming them is the easiest control method. Another option is to scoop them up and release them outdoors. Even Asian ladybeetles are beneficial in the garden, attacking the bad bugs eating your plants. Ladybeetles that spend the winter in your garden will have a head start next spring!