Ladybugs are very attractive and we all love them, especially our children.
However, the game with the ladybug is not so harmless when the bug just looks like it but is actually a dangerous creature, known as Asian lady beetle.
Apparently, these insects look exactly like ladybugs but are quite dangerous. They bite and feed on humans, and according to the entomologist at the University of Texas, “they have a habit of tasting things they land on.”
The lady beetles originate from Asia, but in the 1960s, they were brought to the US as a way to control pests. Now, the terrifying thing is that they have gotten out of control, and enter the homes of people in Texas, damaging their property.
When it comes to the color, these bugs can be from orange to red, with black spots on their wing covers. Moreover, at the area of the neck, one can spot a dark M.
The lady beetles usually spend the time in green areas and yards during the summer, and migrate to homes and buildings during the colder months.
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Illuminates and bright surfaces, especially those near the woods, attract these bugs, as well as contrasting colors like light windows with dark trim.
Moreover, be cautious if you have a dog. An owner found 30-40 ladybugs on the roof of the mouth of his dog after his pet started skipping meals and sleeping more, and eventually started foaming at the mouth.
In case they feel disturbed they start emitting an acidic yellow odor which is almost impossible to eliminate from surface and clothes, and any contact with the eyes might cause an allergic reaction.
Therefore, if you notice these bugs, here are a few suggestions to help you get rid of them:
Vacuum
You can use your vacuum to collect the Asian lady beetles before they cause harm to your property. You can put a handkerchief between the vacuum hose and the dust collection bag if you decide to release them.
You can also use a broom, but it might distribute their yellow secretion around the house.
Seal Entry Points
It would be best to prevent the appearance of these bugs in the first place, if possible. Therefore, seal all openings and cracks in the late spring, and check all doors, pipes, wires, windows, and fascia boards.
In case you cannot keep them at bay, you should ask help from the local pest control company to spray insecticides to buildings in the fall, as the Asian beetles start to infest properties in winter.