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Asian Lady Beetles

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It seems like these ladybug-like pests are infesting North Carolina this time of year. They may look almost completely identical to a ladybug, but Asian lady beetles are quite different. They’re used primarily to take care of aphids when they destroy crops. The U.S. Department of Agriculture actually released them in parts of Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, and other states closer to the west coast to help reduce the number of aphids eating crops. However, this is not what sparked the infestations like the ones we’re seeing now. They were brought to the U.S. accidentally from a Japanese freighter.

Like mentioned, these bugs are easily mistaken for the common ladybug. They’re shaped just like them, but they do have different features that separate them from their doppelgänger. Their head appears whiter than ladybugs, and their bodies can vary from orange to red, rather than just red. They can also appear a little more oval-shaped than ladybugs. But ladybugs are rarely considered pests compared to the Asian lady beetle.

Asian lady beetles are only considered pests because they damage crops. They do not affect humans, only as a nuisance. They do, however, leave a yellow stain if frightened or disturbed. This can become quite irritating when there are thousands appearing on your doorstep! So, what do you do when you encounter these bugs in the autumn? To keep them from coming indoors, keep windows and doors closed and sealed as much as possible. Like any pest, exclusion is the first step! Then, it’s time to call a pest control professional! That’s where we come in. Call us today for a free estimate!

(919) 981-9798

We are currently providing pest control services in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Zebulon, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex, and other surrounding areas in North Carolina.

References:

Asian lady beetle infestation of structures. Entomology. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2021, from https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef416.

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