The Ladybug Look Alike That Invades Homes In The Winter (& What To Do About It)

Once you know what to look for, it can be easy to tell ladybugs apart from their nasty twin, Asian lady beetles. Unlike native ladybugs, Asian lady beetles were brought into to the States by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are related to ladybugs and also serve as pest control in gardens, but they can quickly turn into an infestation when they decide to come in out of the cold. Every fall, these little bugs start to invade homes looking for a warm spot to spend the winter months.

As it gets colder, they start hiding away to overwinter. Many Asian lady beetles stay outdoors and hibernate in the siding of buildings or under tree bark, but, when an opportunity presents itself, they also love to hide in the warm walls of buildings and other protected spots. Thankfully, they don't lay eggs inside during the winter. However, most homeowners probably don't want to coexist with a large infestation over the winter. A big reason to keep them outside is the chemical defense mechanism inherent to Asian lady beetles. This biological response can leave yellow stains on light-colored surfaces, and they might even emit a bad odor if you squish them.

Don't fret if you see these ladybug lookalikes in your home. The easiest way to take care of them is to grab your vacuum. Be prepared for the gross smell that these pests will release when threatened, and clean out the bag or dust cup immediately after you're finished. Spraying insecticides inside wall voids and attics is not recommended. While the spray will kill the lady beetles, you might attract another pest into your house — the carpet beetle.

Spraying strong fragrances can prevent Asian lady beetles from coming inside. Scents, like camphor, can be a good deterrent to many types of pests and pose less harm to humans and pets. You can even use pleasant citrus scents to kick Asian lady beetles to the curb for natural protection. If you decide to use an insecticide, spray it in September along windows and doors outside as a barrier. For best results, pick a product that uses permethrin or cyfluthrin as an active ingredient.

The best way to deter Asian lady beetles will always be to keep them out before they have a chance to get inside. They can come through the smallest crevices (as small as ⅛ inch!), including gaps in your doors, outdoor faucets, and dryer vents. Plan ahead and close your windows tightly before cold weather, especially windows located on the sunny, southwest side of your home. If you're already fighting off a few indoors, you can get creative with your deterrence methods and make a simple DIY trap to get a handle on Asian lady beetles.