DATE:    11/25/97
CONTACT: Eric Benson, (864) 656-7860

Asian Lady Beetles Are a Nuisance, 
But Can Be Controlled 

     CLEMSON -- Large numbers of lady beetles, or ladybugs, are
being reported around homes and other buildings in South
Carolina. Some residents have reported thousands of these beetles
congregating on outside walls, windows, doors, porches and decks,
especially on the sunny south and west sides of buildings.
     These beetles can get indoors and, as calls indicate, become
a serious nuisance. Researchers believe that mild summers with
high populations of aphids, which lady beetles eat, will often
result in large populations.
     Although bothersome, these insects are not harmful. They do
not bite, sting or carry human diseases, nor feed on wood,
clothing or food. Also, they do not reproduce indoors.
     The beetles found around most homes are known as the
multicolored Asian lady beetle. They have also been called the
Halloween lady beetle and Japanese lady beetle.  Multicolored
Asian lady beetles are oval, about 1/4 inch long, 3/16 inch wide,
and yellow to orange in color. Some may also have black spots on
their bodies.
     Adults often cluster together in October and November to
overwinter in sheltered locations. When a few adults find a
suitable spot, they release a chemical called a pheromone that
attracts other multicolored Asian lady beetles to the same
location. Then they all may begin to move to shelter.
     In February and March these beetles are often seen again
during bright, warm, sunny days when they attempt to get out of a
sheltered spot, such as a house, for the outdoor habitat.
     In spite of troublesome, annoying populations, these insects
are considered very beneficial to agriculture. They feed on
harmful aphids and some scale insects associated with trees,
shrubs, bushes, low-growing ornamentals, roses, wheat, cotton,
tobacco and other crops.
     Vacuuming is generally the best method of ridding homes of
these beetles. They can also be swept up, but they may produce a
disagreeable odor from liquid they secrete when disturbed by
sweeping.
     It is important to vacuum the beetles as soon as possible,
because a few can attract others. The vacuum bag should be
disposed after the beetles are collected. If left in the bag,
they may crawl back out or die and produce a foul odor after a
few days.
     Some individuals choose to release the beetles away from
their homes where they can overwinter in natural areas and
benefit farmers during the following spring.  As a preventive
measure, caulk or weather strip exterior cracks and other
openings these beetles may use to enter buildings. Check lap
siding for any large cracks and seal if found. Damaged screens
on windows, doors and attic vents should also be repaired.
     Insecticides are not recommended, unless the temporary
annoyance of these beetles can no longer be tolerated. Sprays
containing insecticides such as diazinon, Dursban, permethrin and
pyrethrins may provide some relief if applied immediately around
outdoor locations including windows, doors, vents and eves after
the first beetles appear inside the home.  
     Finding multicolored Asian lady beetles outside your home
does not mean they will automatically move in to spend the winter
with you. There have been many reports of lady beetles leaving on
their own after a few days or weeks.
                            END