Asian lady beetles and ladybugs may look similar, but they exhibit different habits and behavior. Ask any residential pest control professional, and they will tell you about the serious destruction that Asian lady beetles inflict upon properties all over. If you’ve seen a spotted, winged bug on your property, you may want to learn about the key distinctions between the two species.

Ladybugs

Most people have seen the bright red, black-spotted ladybug flying around before. As a harmless insect, ladybugs are revered for eating up a variety of harmful garden pests including aphids. Ladybugs don’t congregate in large packs and don’t typically head indoors in search of shelter. Instead, they burrow in natural, outdoor shelters when the weather gets cold. As a result, they are a highly unlikely residential pest control problem. 

Asian Lady Beetles

Asian lady beetles are typically larger than the average ladybug, and they also may vary from red to orange. They don’t always have spots and tend to be a bit longer than the ladybug. The head is the most blatant distinguishing feature between the two species, as Asian lady beetles have a black M-shape marking on their white heads and possess a longer, more pointed ‘snout’ area. Ladybugs’ heads, meanwhile, are smaller, more rounded, and mostly black.

Though the beetles belong to the same insect family as ladybugs, they act quite differently. Asian lady beetles are known to “bite” by scraping the skin. They tend to congregate in large groups, especially on reflective surfaces like windows, and will excrete a yellow, odorous liquid on surfaces when feeling threatened. When the temperature drops, Asian lady beetles will eagerly enter cracks and crevices in a home in search of shelter.

Asian lady beetles have become a serious problem across the state of Minnesota. To keep these winged creatures out of your home this winter, consult the residential pest control professionals from RemTech in St. Paul. Specializing in roach, rodent, and spider control, the team provides eco-friendly, reliable support. They consistently offer all commercial and residential pest control services that meet the customer’s unique needs. To learn more about their services, visit them online, and call (651) 600-9983 to schedule extermination.