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The Ladybug Look-Alike You'll Want To Keep Out Of Your Home
By ZARA M.
Invasive Asian lady beetles are less round than native ladybugs are. They also have larger white markings and a black 'M' shaped marking where the head meets the wings.
Unlike ladybugs, these beetles sneak into homes in large numbers during late fall to escape cold winters. When they are disturbed, threatened, or squashed, reflex bleeding occurs.
This yellow-colored secretion has a foul, potent odor and keeps other organisms from eating them. Their blood also permanently stains clothes and soft furnishings.
Asian lady beetles aren't dangerous to humans or pets, but they do bite. Their bites aren't venomous or too painful, but some people have had allergic reactions to them.