Tips to get rid of those pesky Asian lady beetles

Tips to get rid of those pesky Asian lady beetles
-A common fall pest, often mistaken for the ladybug, predicted to be abundant in Wisconsin this fall

NEW BERLIN, WI- September 28, 2012“multicolored Asian lady beetles” that resemble ladybugs can congregate on the side of your home or business in large numbers during the fall, and may enter your building in search of overwintering sites.

During summer, Asian lady beetles feed on pests like alphids, which destroy crops, gardens, and landscapes. In this way, Asian lady beetles are seen as beneficial to farmers and gardeners, because there is less need for insecticides on the crops. During fall, however, Asian lady beetles search for protected areas for the winter, or overwintering areas. As is with “boxelder” bugs, Asian lady beetles like warm areas and are attracted to buildings with large southern or western exposure, with lots of sun. At night, they will move into leaf litter, underneath logs or boards, or to other protected areas like inside buildings. They particularly like buildings adjacent to wooded areas, where their food is.

Once the weather starts to cool down, Asian lady beetles find their way into buildings through cracks and crevices. They can be seen around windows in the interior of buildings, or flying around bright lights. Most of the beetles stay in wall spaces and are typically inactive during winter, unless warmer temperatures lure them out of their hiding spaces. As a defense mechanism, they engage in “reflex bleeding”, in which a yellow fluid excretes from their joints that can stain carpets, walls, or curtains, and is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Asian lady beetles, as is with “boxelder” bugs, are most abundant during hot, dry summers when followed by warm springs. Dave Kusnierek, Area Service Manager and Associate Certified Entomologist at “Batzner Pest Management”, provided some insight on these pests. Dave says, “We have had a long, dry, and hot weather season this year, which might lead to an increased number of Asian lady beetles this fall.”

The best way to manage an Asian lady beetle problem is to prevent it by taking steps to keep them from entering your home in the first place.

Tips to get rid of Asian lady beetles:

• Make sure doors are tight fitting. Install door sweeps or thresholds at the base of all exterior entry doors. Apply caulk along bottom outside edge thresholds to exclude ants and other small insects. Repair gaps and tears in door screens.
• Make sure windows are properly sealed. Caulk cracks around windows, as well as around doors, fascia boards, etc. Repair gaps and tears in window screens.
• Seal utility openings. Check where wires and pipes enter the foundation, and siding around outdoor faucets, clothes dryer vents, gas meters, and telephone/cable TV wires for gaps. Plug any holes as necessary. Screen or seal any ventilation openings in attics.

Depending on the construction of your home or building, different precautions may be taken. If “multicolored Asian lady beetles” have already made their way indoors, you may physically remove them with a gloved hand, a broom and a dust pan, or a vacuum. Check around the building exterior if they are found during fall, as they can be found congregating in warm or sunny areas.

If you are experiencing an infestation, please call a professional pest management company immediately “Batzner Pest Management” has an effective “Asian lady beetle program” precisely designed to help control these pest infestations.

For more information about pests and pest management, contact Dave Kusnierek at Batzner Pest Management at 262-797-4160 or visit Batzner’s website at http://www.batzner.com/

Batzner Pest Management, Inc.
Address: 16948 W. Victor Rd
New Berlin, WI 53151
Website: “www.batzner.com/”
Industry: Pest Control
Employees: 87