Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles | Pest ID Guide
Quick Facts About Lady Beetles
Native ladybugs rarely come indoors. The swarms that cover Tennessee homes in fall are Asian lady beetles, an introduced species that moves into walls and attics to spend the winter.- Size: About 1/4 inch
- Color: Pale yellow-orange to deep red, with anywhere from no spots to many
- Key marking: A black M- or W-shaped mark on the white area behind the head
- When they come inside: October and November, on warm, sunny days
- Where they gather: Sunny, light-colored walls, especially on the south and west sides
- Indoors: Emerge from walls and ceilings on warm winter days
Asian Lady Beetles vs. Native Ladybugs
Look behind the head. Asian lady beetles have a white area marked with a black M or W. Native ladybugs don’t, and they’re usually more uniformly red.
Why They Invade Homes
After feeding on aphids all summer, Asian lady beetles gather on sunny walls in fall, attracted to warm, light-colored surfaces. They crawl into gaps around windows, siding, and soffits and cluster in wall voids and attics. On warm days, some wander into living areas.
Problems They Cause
- Pinching bites: They can give a small pinch, especially when they land on skin.
- Stains and odor: When disturbed, they release a yellowish fluid that smells and can stain walls and fabrics.
- Allergies: Some people have allergic reactions to large numbers of beetles.
- Dead beetles: Dead beetles in walls can attract carpet beetles.
They don’t damage structures, breed indoors, or eat food.
How to Get Rid of Lady Beetles Indoors
- Vacuum them up, using a stocking inside the hose to capture them without staining the vacuum
- Release them outside or dispose of them in a sealed bag
- Don’t crush them, which causes stains and odor
- Use a light trap in dark attics or rooms
How to Keep Them Out
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, soffits, and utility lines before fall
- Repair screens, including attic vents
- Install door sweeps
- Have the exterior treated in early fall, before they move in
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many ladybugs on my house?
Those are likely Asian lady beetles, which gather on sunny walls in fall looking for places to spend the winter.
How can I tell an Asian lady beetle from a ladybug?
Asian lady beetles have a black M- or W-shaped mark on the white area behind the head. Native ladybugs don’t.
Do Asian lady beetles bite?
They can give a small pinch, but they aren’t dangerous.
Why do lady beetles leave yellow stains?
They release a smelly yellow fluid when disturbed. Vacuum them instead of crushing them.
How do I keep lady beetles out of my house?
Seal gaps and repair screens before fall, and consider an exterior treatment in early fall.
Related Pests
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