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As kids, we all chanted along to the nursery rhyme Ladybug, Ladybug!.
But actually spotting this ravishing red wonder lazily crawling up the grass in spring is a poetry-worthy view.
Many even consider it a symbol of luck.
However, did you know the ladybug (aka ladybird or ladybird beetle) has an evil twin?
It looks just like the native ladybug, but dont be fooled by its appearance.
It can do more harm than good.
The good news is that there are ways to tell them apart.
The Asian lady beetle is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Russia.
Asian beetles also used freighters to enter the country, and now, they are all over the US.
Lets closely examine both species and learn how to distinguish them.
Typically, they prefer spots with abundant food (aphid colonies).
When their eggs hatch, larvae are very hard to distinguish.
Small spines on their bodies make them look like tiny alligators.
The larvae develop in several stages (instars) by molting and growing larger at each stage.
After the last molt, they grow immobile and enter the pupa phase.
Both species are similarly either dark orange or red with black spots, even as pupae.
Several days later, the adults emerge, and you could finally tell the two apart.
Ladybugs are rounder and smaller than the Asian beetle.
Both have a hard exterior shell (elytra) that hides their wings.
But the most distinguishing feature is the presence of a black M on the Asian lady beetle.
It can be found where the colored wings meet the white head.
On the other hand, a Ladybug has two white cheeks on its black head.
Diet
Image credits:Henry Lai
Aphids are the favorite snacks of both ladybugs and Asian beetles.
They can also eat mites, scale, and mealybugs.
Sadly, the Asian beetle can also attack and eat small ladybugs.
Asian Beetle vs Ladybug: Which One Is Useful for My Garden?
If you have ladybugs, your plants are protected, and your house is infestation-free.
But if its the Asian beetle, unfortunately, its bad news, folks.
They eliminate the aphid problem of your plants, just like ladybugs.
But when Asian beetles run out of aphids, that is when the problem starts.
They might crawl or fly around the rooms and congregate near windows, walls, and furniture when indoors.
They might scrap your skin or bite.
Image credits:crucifish
And problems dont end there.
Sometimes, your dog might eat a few Asian lady beetles while playing.
Sadly, they can infest your dogs mouth (per People Magazine).
Once they latch themselves on the roof of the dogs mouth, you have to remove them manually.
In extreme cases, they can also prove fatal.
What to Do If You Already Have An Asian Beetle Problem?
Image credits:jenmenke
Have the imposter pests already taken over your house or garden?
Are you panicking after reading that they are more of a nuisance than a cute and innocent little ladybird?
Stay calm cause you’re able to get rid of them by yourself.
Here are a few easy ways to eliminate them from your house or garden.
Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil acts as a natural insecticide.
Asian lady beetles will die if they come in direct contact with this oil.
you’re able to apply neem oil on the infested plants and spots in the house.
This is best done during cool temperatures when they cant fly.
check that to empty your vacuum in a bag and seal it immediately so beetles dont crawl out.
Then, simply throw it in the trash.
This is the easiest way to get rid of them.
Spray Insecticide
To kill the beetles, you might use insecticides.
Spraying it directly on their indoor nest is unnecessary as they dont reproduce inside the house.
However, they might return to the same area during the next season, so spray accordingly.
Itll definitely help with the infestation.
Note:The places where they had swarmed or stained surfaces with yellow liquid can attract more Asian beetles.
Once your house is beetle-free, clean these spots thoroughly with soapy water and remove their scent.
Step 2
Ensure the doors and windows fit tightly and replace or patch up broken or ripped screens.
Step 3
Spraying insecticides in advance can help keep them out.
So, spray it where the beetles might enter, like doors, windows, cracks, and crevices.
If youre hesitant to use insecticides, spray essential oils likecitronellaor peppermint to ward them off.
They arent very fond of these oils and will venture to avoid coming close.
Step 4
Plant mums around your house or near doors and windows.
Asian beetles hate mums, so theyll definitely stay away from your house.
How to Attract Ladybugs to Your Garden?
These beneficial beetles will snack on the aphids that harm your plants and leave your house free from infestation.
According toCornell University, adult lady beetles can eat around 50 aphids daily.
Once eliminated, they wont attack ladybugs for the same food source.
Tip 2:Ladybugs might overwinter in leaf litter.
Quit raking leaves constantly and destroying their winter home.
Tip 3:Grow plants that attract ladybugs and create a paradise for them.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), marigold (Tagetesspp.
), hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.
), andtomatoes(Solanum lycopersicum) are some of their favorite plants.
