Ladybugs are beneficial to your garden because they eat plant pests.
Asian lady beetles alsoeat garden pestsbut have become a pest themselves, especially indoors during the cooler months.
They can bite and will release an unpleasant odor when disturbed.
Credit:BHG / Jiaqi Zhou
Unfortunately, these insects also have been pushing out native ladybugs.
Asian lady beetles can now be found across the continental United States and parts of Canada.
you’ve got the option to identify a ladybug by its markings and size.
Credit: John Noltner
There areseveral species, with most sporting red shells and various numbers of black spots.
Their heads tend to be black with small white cheeks.
Ladybugs are typically rounder and smaller than Asian lady beetles if you look at them side-by-side.
Asian lady beetles also have larger white cheek markings and have more white on their heads overall.
The Asian beetles tend to sneak into homes through cracks or holes when it gets cold outside.
Ladybugs wont do that.
When threatened, Asian beetles release a stinky yellow substancethat can stain surfacesand trigger allergic reactions.
Ladybugs, on the other hand, do not congregate, bite, or release a stinky substance.
In addition,close up any gaps around windows, doors, and siding to minimize risk.
These bugs are attracted to warm habitats and illuminated surfaces.
During this time, they can produce over 1,600 eggs, which look like tiny yellow ovals.
After being squished, these bugs will leave behind a distinct smell.
