BlogWhat’s the Difference Between Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles?

Paying attention to these subtle visual and behavioral differences can tell if you’re in need of Asian lady beetle pest control services.

invasive Asian lady beetle

Asian lady beetles seem to disguise themselves as harmless ladybugs in order to infiltrate gardens and homes. They’re like the spies of the insect world, especially in fall and spring. Thankfully, their disguise isn’t perfect.

It may not be obvious, but telling the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs is possible. By figuring out which bug is which, you’ll be able to kick out the invaders and leave the native ladybugs.

Here’s how to tell if you’re looking at a ladybug or an imposter and what to do about it. ‌

Meet the Ladybug Look Alike: The Asian Lady Beetle

They look alike, but are ladybugs and Asian lady beetles the same? No. Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles may be part of the same insect family (coccinellidae), but they are very different bugs. Not only do they look different (if you know where to look), but they behave differently as well.

Asian Lady Beetle

Difference in Behavior: Ladybugs vs. Asian Lady Beetles

Are Ladybugs Harmful to Humans?

Ladybugs are considered highly beneficial, harmless insects. They don’t sting. And though they do rarely bite, it feels like a light pinch.

In fact, ladybugs are considered a helpful insect. They consume several harmful garden pests such as aphids, and can be a benefit to your garden. You won’t catch them congregating in large numbers, and they prefer to seek shelter outdoors when it gets cold. Ladybugs like to shelter in logs, under rocks, and under piles of leaves.

What About Asian Lady Beetles? Are They Harmful to Humans?

Asian lady beetles aren’t necessarily harmful to humans, but they sure are a nuisance. Asian lady beetles “bite” by scraping the skin they land on.

And when they feel threatened, they may excrete a foul-smelling, yellow liquid from their leg joints. This excretion is called “reflex bleeding” and can also happen when they are crushed. Ladybugs won’t cause any odors.

Reflex bleeding isn’t dangerous or poisonous, but it can trigger minor allergic reactions. They can also stain walls or fabrics, damaging your property.

Are Asian Lady Beetles Harmful to Plants?

Similar to ladybugs, Asian lady beetles feed on aphids and other insects that munch on plants. This means that although they can be a nuisance, they can still be a gardener’s friend.

However, these bugs won’t bid a happy goodbye after gardening season is over. They’re prone to swarming, and prefer to overwinter inside homes. Once they’re finished feasting on aphids, they will crowd on reflective surfaces like windows and sliding glass doors. If they have the opportunity, Asian lady beetles will invade your home.

Ladybug vs. Asian Lady Beetle: Seasonal Clues

A big difference between these two insects is the way they shelter in the winter. Ladybugs overwinter in sheltered sites outdoors, and Asian lady beetles often enter homes. Asian lady beetles will gather in large groups, especially around warm, reflective surfaces like windows and on the south sides of homes. The swarm can even find its way into your home. If you notice the bugs congregating in or around your home in fall or winter, they’re probably Asian lady beetles.

Asian Lady Beetles Congregating on Window Sill

Asian Lady Beetle vs Ladybug: Look Closely to Spot the Difference

A sharp eye can spot the subtle differences between the two bugs. This will help you welcome the friendly ladybug and stop Asian lady beetle invasions before they start. Here’s how to tell the two bugs apart:

Differences in Appearance Between Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles

Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles definitely look similar—but their size, color, and markings can help you tell the difference. If you’re examining beetles in your yard, check for these key differences:

• Look at the size: Asian lady beetles are slightly larger than ladybugs. They’re about 7 mm long and 5.5 mm wide.
• Check the color: Ladybugs are bright red. The coloration of Asian lady beetles varies. You might see Asian lady beetles that are red, orange, or even tan.
• Spot the spots: Ladybugs always have black spots on their wing covers, also called cerci. Asian lady beetles may or may not have black spots on their wing covers. No spots means that you have an Asian lady beetle in your garden.
• Examine their shape: Ladybugs have a more round shape, while Asian lady beetles tend to be oval and a little longer.
• Look for the “M:” The easiest way to tell Asian lady beetles apart from ladybugs at a glance, though, is to look for the white “M.” Asian lady beetles have a distinctive, highly visible M-shaped black marking on their otherwise-white heads. This marking varies in size, thickness, and shape, but it’s always there.

This is a picture of an Asian lady beetle with the classic “M” marking on its head.

This is a picture of a ladybug with white markings only on the side of its head

You can see that a ladybug has a mostly black head. They also have small, white markings on the sides of the head which look like cheeks. In general, ladybugs’ heads or “snouts” also appear shorter and less pointed than Asian lady beetles. ‌

Paying attention to these subtle visual and behavioral differences can tell if you’re in need of Asian lady beetle pest control services.

Preventing and Getting Rid of Asian Lady Beetle Infestations

Now that you know more about Asian lady beetles, you probably want to keep these ladybug imposters out of your home. Here’s how you can get rid of Asian lady beetles and free your home of these “fake ladybugs:”

1. Find and seal cracks in your home. Asian lady beetles usually enter homes by accident. They congregate on window frames or wall spaces and end up wandering in through cracks. Cracks around windows, doors, eaves, and vents are some of the most common entrances for the Asian lady beetle.

2. Fix and replace screens around your house. Holes in the screens on your windows and doors are welcome signs for the Asian lady beetle. By mending screens, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh air without sharing your home with invaders.

3. Don’t crush Asian lady beetles. You don’t want them to let out that foul, yellow secretion that could damage or stain your property. Vacuum them up and dispose of the bag instead.

4. Scrub down their favorite haunts. Asian lady beetle swarms can leave behind smelly liquid that may attract even more beetles to your house. Clean it up with all-purpose cleaner or soapy water.

5. Try spraying citronella oil around your house. Asian lady beetles love sun-exposed and brightly colored surfaces. They are attracted to brightness and light colors. Spraying them down with a scent they dislike can keep them from settling on your property.

6. Place a few insect light traps around your house. These traps work best in dark places, like attics and basements. They attract Asian lady beetles with light and zap them when they get too close.

In Need of Pest Control Services to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles?

If Asian lady beetles are swarming around your house, it’s time to call in extra help. Plunkett’s can keep those congregating troublemakers out of your home or business. Schedule a service by filling out the service request form below. We’ll send those imposters packing, every time!