How To Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles

If you are wondering  how to get rid of Asian beetle, follow the steps below.

1. Vacuuming

The easiest way to get rid of Asian beetles is to vacuum them. The vacuum cleaner captures the ladybugs without crushing them, which is key in preventing unpleasant odors or messes. For this method, use a vacuum with a hose attachment for precise targeting on areas where ladybugs congregate, such as windowsills, corners, and near entry points.

After vacuuming, immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister outside to prevent any potential re-infestation. This method is more effective when used in combination with other preventive measures.

2. Seal Entry Points

Asian ladybugs often find their way indoors through gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation, so sealing these entry points prevents them from entering your home. For this method, inspect your home for potential entry points, including around window frames or gaps in the walls or foundation.

Use weatherstripping, caulk, or expanding foam to fill and seal these openings. Ensure gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical cables are also covered. This method can effectively stop ladybug infestation.

3. Use Soapy Water

Soapy water works against ladybugs by disrupting their exoskeletons. The soap lowers the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate their outer shell and effectively suffocate or dehydrate them.

You can create a solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution directly onto the ladybugs and areas where they are present. You might need to reapply as needed, especially if you are dealing with a large infestation.

4. Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around entry points and areas where ladybugs are active or entering your home also helps control infestation. DE is a natural powder with microscopic sharp edges that cut through the insects' exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death.

This powder should be applied on dry surfaces and might need reapplication after heavy rain or cleaning. DE is safe for humans and pets when used as directed, but wear a mask when using it to avoid inhaling the dust.

5. Citrus Peels

Citrus peels work as a natural repellent for ladybugs because of the strong, pungent smell of citrus. To use citrus peels effectively, place fresh or dried peel pieces around entry points and areas where ladybugs are commonly found, such as window sills and door frames.

You can also use citrus-scented oils if fresh peels are not available. The aroma acts as a deterrent, encouraging the ladybugs to move elsewhere. Reapply the peels or oils regularly to maintain the repellent effect. 

6. Garlic Spray

Garlic spray works as a natural repellent for ladybugs due to garlic's strong odor, which masks the scents that attract these pests. To make garlic spray, blend a few cloves of garlic with water, let it steep for a few hours, then strain it to remove any solids.

Transfer the garlic-infused water into a spray bottle. Apply the spray around windows, doors, and other entry points where ladybugs are commonly seen. The pungent smell of garlic creates an environment that ladybugs find unappealing, encouraging them to stay away.

7. Essential Oils

Essential oils, like peppermint or clove oil, act as natural repellents for ladybugs due to their strong, pungent odors. Ladybugs find these scents unpleasant and will avoid areas where they are present. To use essential oils, mix a few drops of oil with water in a spray bottle.

Shake the bottle and spray the solution around areas where ladybugs are spotted. Reapply every few days or after rain to maintain effectiveness. This method is a simple way to discourage ladybugs from invading your space.

8. Herb Pots

Growing herbs like mint, lavender, or rosemary can help repel Asian ladybugs because these plants have strong scents that these insects dislike. The essential oils in these herbs are unpleasant to ladybugs, making your home less inviting.

You can plant these herbs near entry points or areas where ladybugs are commonly seen. You can also grow them in pots around windows or doorways. For an added effect, crush the leaves of these herbs to release more of their natural oils and enhance their repellent properties.

9. Keep Areas Dry

Ladybugs are drawn to moist environments, which provide them with a suitable habitat. By keeping your home and garden dry, you can make your space less attractive to them. Regularly check for and fix leaks in pipes, roofs, and windows to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Ensure good ventilation in your home to keep indoor air dry. In your garden, avoid overwatering plants and use proper drainage techniques to prevent water from pooling. Minimizing moisture can make your home a less inviting place for them.

10. Outdoor Traps

Outdoor traps are effective at managing ladybug populations. These traps use light or bait to attract ladybugs away from your home. Light traps, for instance, use UV light to lure ladybugs, which are then captured in a sticky surface or container.

Bait stations, on the other hand, may use a sugary or pheromone-based attractant to draw ladybugs in. Just place the traps or bait stations around areas where ladybugs hide. Position them away from your home and regularly check and replace traps to maintain effectiveness.

11. Vinegar

Vinegar is effective at repelling Asian ladybugs because they dislike its potent smell. To use it, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake it up and spray it around spots where ladybugs are, like windows and doors.

The vinegar’s smell can make these places less appealing to them and can help stop more ladybugs from coming inside. This method is simple and good for the environment. 

Resorting to chemicals to deal with Asian ladybugs should be a last option because they can harm the environment and pose health risks. But if you still want to know how to get rid of lady beetles using chemicals, these are some methods. 

12. Insecticidal Soaps

Insecticidal soaps are a chemical option for controlling pests like Asian ladybugs. The soaps contain natural fats and oils with potassium salts that disrupt the cell membranes of soft-bodied insects, causing dehydration and death.

To use insecticidal soap, mix soap with water according to the product label in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. Spray the solution on the ladybugs and their resting spots. Reapply the soap after rain or if you notice new ladybugs appearing. 

13. Pyrethrin-based Insecticides

Pyrethrin-based insecticides come from chrysanthemum flowers and target insects' nervous systems. When sprayed on Asian ladybugs, these insecticides paralyze and kill them. You can find pyrethrins in sprays, powders, and foggers.

To use them, spray the insecticide on areas where ladybugs gather or enter your home. For outdoors, apply it on surfaces where you see ladybugs. Make sure to ventilate well if you are using it indoors, and follow safety instructions to keep pets and kids safe.

14. Permethrin

Permethrin is a synthetic chemical similar to natural pyrethrins. It kills bugs by disrupting their nervous systems, causing paralysis and death. To use it, buy a permethrin spray. Outside, spray it around windows, doors, and other places where bugs might enter your home.

Inside, spray where you often see ladybugs, like window sills and baseboards. Always follow the instructions on the product label, make sure the area is well-ventilated, and keep it away from kids and pets. 

15. Boric Acid

Boric acid is another chemical that can get rid of Asian ladybugs. The acid poisons the bugs when they come into contact with it. To use it, sprinkle boric acid in places where you see ladybugs. You can also mix it with sugar to make a bait that attracts the bugs.

When ladybugs touch or eat the boric acid, it poisons them. Use it in small amounts and keep it away from pets and kids, as it can be harmful if swallowed. Check the areas regularly and reapply if needed. 

16. Professional Pest Control

Professional pest control involves experts who know how to handle infestations. They start by inspecting your home to look for entry points and guage size of infestation Then, they use special treatments to eradicate the ladybugs and prevent more from entering. 

They might also use vacuums to remove bugs and seal up entry points. Hiring professionals ensures the job is done safely and effectively, using powerful products unavailable to everyone.

Asian lady beetles, scientifically known as Harmonia axyridis, belong to the Coccinellidae family, a group of beetles commonly referred to as ladybugs. Despite their charming appearance, they can become a big pest problem. 

These beetles come in various colors, from yellow to orange to red, often with black spots on their wing covers. The number and size of these spots can vary a lot, but a key feature is the "M" or "W" shape on the white area behind their head. 

They are helpful in gardens because they eat pests like aphids, but in colder months, they move indoors, are attracted to warm, sheltered places, and can invade homes in large numbers.

Signs of an Asian lady beetle infestation in your home include:

Yellowish Stains

The yellowish stains from Asian lady beetles occur when they release a defensive fluid. When these beetles feel threatened, they secrete this yellowish liquid from their joints. This fluid can also leave unsightly stains on surfaces like walls, curtains, and furniture.

The stains can be tricky to clean, often requiring special cleaners or techniques. If you notice these yellow spots, it is a sign that ladybugs are present and have been disturbed in your home.

Seeing Large Numbers of Beetles

The most obvious indication of infestation is seeing large numbers of Asian lady beetles in your home. These beetles often enter homes in the fall when they seek shelter from cooler outdoor temperatures.

They are attracted to sunny, warm spots, like walls, windows, or ceilings that face the sun. If you see ladybugs gathered in these areas, it suggests they have found a suitable place to overwinter and breed. This visible presence often signals more beetles are hiding in other parts of your home.

Foul Odor

The yellow fluid that Asian lady beetles release when they are threatened is not only unsightly, but they can emit a musty or acrid smell. The odor can linger in the areas where they have been, making rooms or surfaces where they have gathered smell unpleasant.

This smell is a natural defense mechanism intended to deter predators. If you notice a persistent bad odor in your home, especially around where you have seen ladybugs, it is a sign of an infestation. 

Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to Asian ladybugs due to their sensitivity to the beetles’ body parts, secretions, or the fluids they release. These substances can cause reactions in some individuals, like itchy eyes, respiratory issues like coughing or wheezing, and skin rashes.

If you experience these symptoms and suspect they are linked to a ladybug infestation, it is a good idea to address the pest problem and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.

Noises in Walls

Hearing noises in walls could indicate an Asian lady beetle infestation. As these beetles cluster in hidden spaces like wall voids, attics, or insulation, they can create rustling or buzzing sounds. This noise is due to the movement of the beetles as they shift around or when disturbed.

If you hear these sounds, especially during cooler months, it is a good indicator that they have found a nesting spot within your walls. Addressing this issue involves inspecting these areas and seeking professional pest control services.

Presence Near Light Sources

Asian lady beetles are drawn to light, which is why you might find them around lamps, light fixtures, or windows. They are naturally attracted to bright, sunny areas, especially during the cooler months when they seek warmth.

If you see clusters of ladybugs near these light sources, it is a sign they are using these spots as resting places or entry points into your home. To address this, you might need to check and seal any gaps around windows and light fixtures.

Finding Dead Beetles

Discovering dead beetles around your home can be a sign of an infestation. They can be found in places like window sills, corners, or hidden spots where they have gathered or taken refuge. Their presence indicates that there may be a larger population within your home.

If you see a lot of dead beetles, it suggests that there were enough of them to cause visible accumulation. It might be time to address the problem to prevent more from entering and to eliminate the infestation source.

Asian lady beetles come in various types and color variations, but they fall into a few main categories:

Harmonia Axyridis

Harmonia axyridis, commonly known as the multicolored ladybug, is the most well-known species of ladybug that causes infestations. These beetles vary in color from orange to red and can have a wide range of spot patterns, from none to many, or even be solid black.

They are recognized for their dome-shaped bodies and can measure about 0.2 to 0.4 inches in length. Originally native to Asia, they were introduced to other regions for agricultural pest control but have become invasive. Their ability to adapt to various environments makes them a common indoor pest.

Harmonia Conformis

Harmonia conformis, which translates to conforming lady beetle, is less common than Harmonia axyridis. This name reflects its uniform appearance compared to other lady beetles, particularly those with more distinctive markings.

This type often features a more subdued color palette, ranging from yellowish to orange. It has fewer or sometimes no visible spots. They tend to have a slightly more rounded and less glossy appearance. It is not as widespread as the more aggressive multicolored ladybug, but it can still lead to indoor infestations.

Harmonia Quadripunctata

Harmonia quadripunctata, often referred to as the four-spotted ladybug, is also less common than Harmonia axyridis like Harmonia conformis. This beetle typically features a distinct pattern with four black spots on an orange or yellowish body.

The spots are arranged in a striking pattern, which helps distinguish it from other ladybug species. This type of ladybug is less aggressive and is less likely to invade homes in large numbers. It primarily feeds on aphids and other small insects in gardens and fields, making it a beneficial beetle for pest control. 

Harmonia Progressa

Harmonia progressa, or the progressive lady beetle, is the final species of the Asian lady beetle. It is distinguished by its relatively uniform reddish color and minimal spotting. Unlike its more spotted relatives, this beetle has a smoother appearance, often showing a more consistent hue across its body.

Its size and shape are similar to other lady beetles, but its coloration makes it stand out. Harmonia progressa can be found in various habitats but is less frequently seen in large numbers than the aggressive Harmonia axyridis. This beetle may still be a nuisance when it invades homes.