MS sees ‘influx’ of Asian lady beetles that can gunk up your home. Here’s how to keep them out
Things aren’t always as they seem.
Experts are warning Mississippi residents about an “influx” of insects that look like a harmless ladybug — but stink, stain surfaces and bite.
“They look charming at first glance, but don’t let that fool you,” Fred McMurry, co-owner of Harvard Pest Control, said in a Dec. 3 news release. “Unlike our native ladybugs, Asian lady beetles release a chemical defense that can irritate skin, stain surfaces and create unpleasant odors inside the home.”
Here’s what to know about Asian lady beetles and how to protect yourself and your home from them this winter.
What are Asian lady beetles?
Common during the fall and winter in Mississippi, Asian lady beetles are a “nuisance winter pest often mistaken for a ladybug,” according to experts at Harvard Pest Control.
Unlike ladybugs, Asian lady beetles have a wider range of colors and number of spots, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The species was originally brought to North America to help control pests, like aphids, but they tend to overwinter in large numbers in homes and buildings, according to the agency.
Asian lady beetles can stain surfaces with an odorous yellow fluid they release when bothered and occasionally bite, though the bite is not necessarily harmful, experts said.
How do Asian lady beetles get inside homes?
Asian lady beetles get inside homes and buildings through cracks, vents, windows and doors, Harvard Pest Control experts said.
They like to congregate on “sunny sides of homes,” experts said.
“This invasive beetle is becoming more and more common in our neck of the woods, and this is the time of year when you start to see it.” José Santos Portugal, extension urban entomologist at Mississippi State University said in a Nov. 15 video on Facebook.
What should you do if you see an Asian lady beetle in your home?
If you see an Asian lady beetle in your home don’t touch them, experts warn.
The best way to get rid of them is to vacuum them up to avoid stains and bites, experts said.
How to keep Asian lady beetles out of your home
Here are some tips for keeping Asian lady beetles out of your home, according to Harvard Pest Control:
- Seal cracks around windows, doors and siding
- Install screens or weather stripping where gaps appear
