Q: What should I do about Asian beetles? There are hundreds of them on my house.
Photo: Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
A: There are multiple species of insects in our area that are native to Asia. The ones on your house are Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (ladybugs). These beneficial insects are looking for a sheltered place to spend the winter. For this insect, or any other insect trying to enter on chilly nights, all you need to do is seal any gaps, cracks, or other access points. There is no effective repellent, and while the insects won’t harm people or damage the home itself, they can be a nuisance when they find their way in, since they are trying to find shelter for the winter. Check the window screening for tears that need to be repaired, and the door weather stripping for any gaps or worn-out pieces that require replacement.
By Miri Talabac, Horticulturist, University of Maryland Extension Home & Garden Information Center. Miri writes the Garden Q&A for The Baltimore Sun and Washington Gardener Magazine. Read more by Miri.
Have a plant or insect question? The University of Maryland Extension has answers! Send your questions and photos to Ask Extension. Our horticulturists are available to answer your questions online, year-round.
Although ladybugs are beneficial, isn’t it true that as with some other families, e.g., praying mantis, the asian invaders are causing a decrease in the native population. Is the current consensus that we are better off having the asians, or should we feel no guilt when eliminate those in our homes and outside?
Our Faculty Specialist for Entomology and Integrated Pest Management has stated that both non-native mantids and lady beetles have been present in our region for many years so their presences as beneficial insects is best left alone. If you have many congregating in your home, using exclusion strategies like sealing window and door frames, making sure screens do not have holes, etc. is a great way to manage them indoors without potentially harming other beneficial insects by using pesticides or traps.