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Extension for Real Life Blog

From the Field: Beetles Invasion!

Close-up photos showing a side-by-side comparison of a red ladybug with black spots on a green leaf and an orange Asian lady beetle on a green leaf. (Photos by Canstock and MSU Extension Service)

If you live in a wooded area, it’s likely you’ve already noticed: THEY’RE BAAA-AACK!

Every autumn Asian lady beetles start seeking shelter, and, given the lack of convenient caves around, wind up trying to overwinter in Mississippi homes.

Please note: these are not ladybugs, those cute little darlings from your childhood. Both are beetles. Both have spots. Both eat aphids.

Close-up photos showing a side-by-side comparison of a red ladybug with black spots on a green leaf and an orange Asian lady beetle on a green leaf. (Photos by Canstock and MSU Extension Service)
The insect traditionally known in the U.S. as a ladybug, left, and the Asian lady beetle, right, are not the same insect. In addition to the distinctive “M” marking on their heads, Asian lady beetles can bite.
Photos: Canstock and MSU Extension Service

But the Asian variety squeezing under your window sills to fly in death spirals around your kitchen lights are not just annoying. They can also emit an unpleasant odor (translation: they stink) and they bite.

Click here to learn how to protect your home against these invaders.

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From the Field

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Mississippi State University Extension 130 Bost Drive Mississippi State MS 39762

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