Hey, That's No Ladybug!

Some insects are mimics, and it usually stems from the fact that being mistaken for a different bug is advantageous for the copycat. A case in point is the deceptive Asian Lady Beetle.

Oh yes, she's dolled up in polka dots and bright colors. She looks remarkably similar to her ladybug cousin, but the Asian Beetle is an impersonator and far from beneficial. She's invasive, and she's hungry. And she's banking on the possibility that you'll mistake her for just another ladybug, thus leaving her alone to carry on with her activities. After all, a ladybug is a gardener's friend and helps to control other problematic insects like aphids. The Asian beetle is not just one of the girls. Yes, she'll eat those aphids too, but she's got some other unpleasant surprises if you allow her to fool you.

How To Differentiate Between An Asian Beetle And A Ladybug

Look a little closer. The Asian beetle is bigger and fatter than a true ladybug. The fraud's dress is not so perfectly cherry red and instead is likely an orangish or yellowish-red hue. The white spots on her cheeks are much larger, too; yes, she's overdone the makeup a bit! But the most tell-tale giveaway is the area between her head and wings. She's got a bulgy black "M" marking there that a ladybug does not have. In this case, M stands for mischief.

The Damage Asian Beetles Do

Asian beetles are omnivores that eat plants and insects, and they've been known to decimate gardens, crops, and vegetation wherever they go. As their name implies, they are native to Asia, but since the early 1900s, they have become a problem throughout our area.

Asian beetles are a dangerous threat to beneficial insects. They carry a protozoan parasite called Nosema thompsoni that kills real ladybugs and can easily wipe out entire populations. Scientists have called this parasite a "potent biological weapon."

Asian beetles often infest homes when outdoor temperatures drop. They have jaws strong enough to pierce the skin (ladybugs do not), and they can bite if you handle them. They don't spread diseases to humans, but they can cause allergies. Plus, when you disturb or squish them, they release a yellowish liquid that smells horrible and leaves ugly stains.

They are also a serious threat to our pets. It is not unusual for them to attach themselves to the roof of your dog's mouth and stay attached. Even worse, if your pet swallows them, they can be fatal.

Asian Beetle Deterrents

Getting rid of Asian beetles is a difficult challenge. They are prolific pests, and DIY insecticides do not work well. That being said, you can still take some steps to lessen their presence in your yard or house.

The best way to deal with an Asian beetle infestation in the home is professional pest control, especially exclusion, which entails blocking off the crevices where they squeeze in. They don't like mums, citronella, peppermint, or bay leaves, so planting these items liberally around your landscape can help. Keeping things clean and frequently vacuuming inside your house can also be helpful.

Your Most Reliable Pro Is 1st Defense

1st Defense Pest Solutions is the best choice when you need a pro. As the top-rated local Asian beetle control specialist, we are not fooled by this mischievous impersonator, and we have the most effective control methods to get rid of them. Contact us today in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas, and let us help.