We all love ladybugs – they look cute and are apparently harmless too. However, it’s pretty hard to find distinction between them and another more harmful bug. Recently, people around the world have been complaining about swarms of ladybugs that aren’t the popular bug at all. Unlike ladybugs, these bugs are aggressive and bite, and they’re very harmful to dogs too.
Called Asian lady beetle, this bug was first released by the USDA in 1998 as a way of protecting crops from aphids and other pests. The first batch was primarily released in North Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington, and Pennsylvania. It was a controlled experiment, but now it’s getting out of hand in North America. People are finding swarms of the Asian lady beetle in houses and buildings, mistaking them for ladybugs which results in plenty of bites.
Accidental Infestation?
Experts say that the recent infestations are accidental, but we wouldn’t be so sure. The Asian lady beetle is harmful to dogs, may bite, and leaves behind a foul-smelling odor. The bites are nothing to worry about, but let’s be honest – who likes being bitten by insects? If you smash these beetles, the fluid they leave behind with a yellowish hue is very foul-smelling.
Compared to ladybugs, the Asian lady beetle is not red, but more orange-brownish. This bug is much larger and has 4-6 spots on its back. But, to the untrained eye and from afar, these bugs look the same. They multiply much faster than any other insect species, so when you spot them, you’ll need to act fast.
How to Protect Your Home from the Asian Lady Beetle
Preventing infestations in the first place is the best way to keep insects at bay.
- The bugs enter our homes through cracks in the walls, open windows, and cracked door sills. If you’ve lately been spotting them a lot, seal these cracks immediately.
- If the bugs are already in, sweep them away with a broom or use a vacuum.
- Homemade peppermint oil sprays work great. Mix the oil with a bit of water and washing liquid, then spray the affected areas.
While the Asian lady beetle is not welcomed in your home, it’ll be of great help to your garden. Keep in mind that the USDA first released it as a way to protect crops from various pests. If you leave the beetle to thrive in your garden, it’ll keep it pest-free for good.
