Ladybugs – Information, Identification, and Control
Ladybugs are commonly referred to with many different names depending on what part of the world you are in. Ladybirds, ladybird beetles, lady beetles, and Halloween lady beetles are all used.
Ladybugs have a critical role as beneficial predators of soft-bodied arthropods. They also have traditional values in some cultures. For example, the presence of ladybugs in a house is often considered a symbol of good luck.
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles and Ladybugs
In this article, we will cover the multicolored Asian lady beetles (MCALB). These are seasonal structural pests. Other species of lady beetles are beyond the scope of our discussion. This is the aggressive species that will cause problems in the home. Other species are much less harmful.
The History of Ladybugs in America
In 1916, the Ladybugs were first introduced to North America from Asia to manage other pests like aphids. A classic case of bringing in one pest to manage another. Various releases of this species spread out in different parts of the US.
In the fall of 1988, many adults of this species started entering homes in Louisiana. Several years later, Ladybugs were well established throughout the country.
Lady Bugs Becoming Pests
Before the outbreak of the Asian Ladybug population, we used to tell people to pick up the little guys and let them outside. Today, they’ve become a quite big fall invader. The Multicolored Asian lady beetle is the most invasive lady beetle on Earth.
In North America, they have been found feeding on 36 different species of aphids and other pests. these insects have reduced the number of native lady beetles in North America.
Contrary to popular belief, these beetles can and do bite humans. They cause allergic reactions from sneezing to asthma depending on the person.
Dead insect bodies of seasonal invaders attract other pests. Carcasses inside wall voids, cracks and crevices attract dermestid beetles. Species like hide beetles, larder beetles, carpet beetles will invade to get to the food source.
They also attract ants, especially carpenter ants. Unlike mosquitoes, the bite is similar to a pinch and no blood meal is taken from the person bitten.
There are about 5,000 species of lady beetles worldwide and over 400 species in North America. In Asia, the adults of MCALBs seek cracks and crevices in cliff faces to hibernate.
In the USA, cliff faces are not common, so they have elected to hibernate in and around buildings instead. the population of MCALB consists of 50% males and 50% females naturally. Inside houses, it has 66% of MCALB are females and 34% are males.
How to Identify Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles Vs Other Ladybugs
Adults are about 1/3-inch long. Unlike most lady beetles, MCALB adults have various color patterns. Orange with black spots, red with black spots or solid orange with no black spots are variations seen. Adults have a pattern of W or M-shaped mark on the thorax
Life Cycle of Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles
Both adults and larvae are predators. They feed on aphids and soft-bodied arthropods. Adult MCALBs consume about 90-270 aphids per day. Larvae consume 600-1200 aphids during their development. Females lay eggs in clusters of 20-30 eggs on the underside of leaves usually near aphid colonies.
Eggs hatch in 3-5 days. Larvae develop through four instars before they pupate within 11 days. Pupae stage usually last 5 days. The life cycle from egg to adult requires about two to four weeks. Between late September and late October, adults fly to over wintering sites. Healthy MCALBs can live up to 3 years depending on the temperature and food availability.
In the USA, there are two generations of multicolored Asian lady beetles per year.
How and Why Ladybugs Enter Homes
As the cold weather approaches, food availability often becomes challenging for many insects. Environmental cues, such as temperature, daylight, and relative humidity trigger hibernation. Species-specific developmental factors promote specific insects, including MCALBs to invade homes.
Some researchers have indicated that MCALBs orient themselves towards tall buildings or hills. They may encounter your building along the way. Other studies have mentioned that they are attracted to high contrast areas. Shadows or dark shutters are areas of high contrast. These areas resemble the white cliff faces of their native habitats in Asia. Some studies have suggested that they seek out light-colored houses for this same reason.
Scientists from universities all over America continue to study Ladybugs. More is becoming known day by day.
Where Ladybugs Gather
At winter feeding sites, they congregate on the sunlit parts of the building. Once wintering ends, they finally conceal themselves in protected places.
These insects will seek out sheltered areas to over winter, such as:
- cracks or crevices along walls
- under siding
- roofs
- overhangs
- the bark of trees
In heated or warmer areas of a structure, MCALBs may hide:
- cracks
- crevices
- voids in attics
- crawlspaces
- empty roof spaces
- vent openings
- ceilings
On warm sunny days during the winter where pests have chosen to hibernate, you can see live activity. Any insects noted indoors during the winter are not coming in from the outside. They are coming from the structure. Temperature is an essential factor for regulating the MCALBs activity. They need 50°F to fly and 65°F to swarm.
When do I need to get in touch with a professional?
You can get in touch anytime. We are happy to help provide more information or extermination services as needed. Please get in touch if you feel your little visitors are becoming a problem!
