Extension for Real Life Blog

How to Prep for Asian Lady Beetles

Now is the time to outsmart Asian lady beetles—yes, in the middle of summer! You’re probably thinking, “Aren’t those a problem in winter? Can’t I just deal with them when the time comes?” That’s a fair question. We all have a list of things to get done that seems a mile long.

Your best shot at stopping an Asian lady beetle invasion is in the summer. Why is that? Asian lady beetles are not a nuisance most of the year. They are known for preying on tree-dwelling aphids, making them “good bugs.” When cold weather approaches, they try to find a warm place inside. This is when they start to really become a pest, often arriving in large numbers.

Here are some practical ways to help you prevent an invasion this winter:

• Seal or screen any openings that are bigger than one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter. 
• Inspect doors and windows that open directly to the outside for any cracks of the same size. 
• Install sweeps on door bottoms and weather stripping around doors and windows. 
• Check around the attic, roof, and fireplace to make sure there are no openings. 

The better you can seal the beetles out of your home, the fewer you will have to vacuum up. Being proactive during warmer months will help you not worry about them in the winter. That’s a win for me!

Extension Publication 2443, “Control Household Insect Pests,” offers guidance on how to use insecticide treatment in the winter if needed. This publication is also a great reference because it offers information on how to reduce common household insects.

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