Everybody loves ladybugs. But Ladybugs have an invasive imposter species known as the Asian Lady Beetle. So, that brings up the question, “What’s the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs?” In this blog, we’ll go over some key differences between ladybugs and Asian lady beetles, so you can correctly identify the insects around your home.
What Do Asian Lady Beetles Look Like?
Asian lady beetles appear similar to ladybugs. They are approximately the same size, are red and spotted, and have black and white heads. Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles also have rounded bodies. So, what’s the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs? Firstly, Asian lady beetles have slightly longer, more oval-shaped bodies than ladybugs. Ladybugs are also always red in color, while Asian lady beetles vary from orange to red.
The next way to tell the difference between Asian lady beetles and ladybugs is based on the head. According to DavesGarden.com, “The easiest way to tell them apart is the head. Ladybugs have mostly black heads with small white markings that sometimes resemble cheeks. These are found only on the sides of their heads. Most Asian lady beetles have a small, dark marking shaped like an M or W on the whitish area behind the head. This marking varies in size and shape but is always present.”
Asian Lady Beetles Swarm
While ladybugs are seldom found in large groups, Asian lady beetles will often congregate in swarms with many individuals. If you find a group of what appear to be ladybugs and there are ten or more in close proximity, you are likely seeing Asian lady beetles.
Asian Lady Beetles Invade Homes
Asian lady beetles seek shelter in homes during harsh winter months. If you are looking at a window sill in your home and see a group of what appear to be ladybugs, they are probably actually Asian lady beetles. If the insects leave behind little yellow spots in the areas they occupy, you can be confident you have an Asian lady beetle infestation rather than ladybugs.
Asian Lady Beetles Bite
Another critical difference between ladybugs and Asian lady beetles is biting. While Asian lady beetles do bite by scraping at your skin, ladybugs are harmless. If you have something on your skin that looks like a ladybug, but you feel a sting, you’re certainly dealing with an Asian lady beetle.
Asian Lady Beetles Kill Ladybugs
Asian lady beetles are an invasive species in North America. Although they feed on aphids and other garden pests as ladybugs do, Asian lady beetles create nasty swarms and infect native ladybugs with mites. If you find Asian lady beetles swarming your property, you should act quickly to get rid of them.
Asian Lady Beetle Extermination Service from Bug-A-Way
If you’ve found Asian lady beetles infesting your property, you should act quickly to save your native ladybug population and your home from being invaded. Bug-A-Way best control is four-states number one exterminator. At Bug-A-Way, we will quickly resolve your Asian lady beetle infestation.