Homeowners reporting invasion of lady beetles

Many homes in the Ozarks have had an unwelcome guest arrive this fall.

"Lady beetles seem to make their way into homes during both the fall and, to a lesser degree, in the spring. This continues to be a problem for several rural homeowners." said Tim Schnakenberg, agronomy specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

The multicolored Asian lady beetle is an oval-shaped beetle that is usually yellowish-orange in color. As cooler weather approaches it seeks places to hibernate (like in wall voids, attics and other dark places in houses).

During this searching period the beetles will infest home interiors, crawling around light fixtures, windows and on walls in large numbers.

"We have regarded lady beetles as beneficial because they eat other insects that occur in home gardens, farm fields, forests and orchards. They are a welcomed sight in these environments, but homeowners are finding their numbers to be a problem indoors," said Schnakenberg.

Fortunately, Lady Beetles do not bite, carry disease, and are not known to feed on wood, clothing or human food, though they bring with them a pungent odor into the home.

What can a homeowner do about them? "First and foremost, make sure cracks and crevices are caulked and that window screens are in good shape and fit snugly. They can be vacuumed up and released outdoors. As a last resort, one can spray them in the living area of the house with an aerosol containing pyrethrins or one of the pyrethroids," said Schnakenberg.

For more information on ladybugs, pick up a copy of MU guide sheet G7369, "Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle" at the nearest University of Missouri Extension Center or visit www. extension.missouri.

edu.