They can, but it is more of a pinch on exposed skin than a true bite. It feels like a quick, startling nip that does no lasting harm. For pets, the biggest issue is a dog snapping up a beetle and getting a mouthful of something bitter.
When these ladybug lookalikes "bite," it feels like a light pinch, usually on an arm or neck. There is no venom and no risk of disease. For the most part, it doesn’t even leave a mark. People who are sensitive can develop mild irritation, but this is rare.
Bites are annoying, but the bigger issue is the defensive fluid that Asian lady beetles secrete when startled. A heavy indoor infestation can lead to allergy flare-ups for susceptible individuals. The fluid can also stain fabric, walls, and window sills while also smelling acrid and bitter.
Dogs and cats sometimes have the misfortune of eating Asian lady beetles. They taste very bitter and pets do not like it at all. The biggest risk—and this is rare—is when lady beetles lodge against the roof of a dog’s mouth. That can warrant a vet visit.
Day to day, the way to manage Asian lady beetles is low tech. Vacuum them rather than swat them. You can do this by putting a nylon-stocking over a vacuum hose, sucking up the beetles, then throwing away the nylon stocking.
During the fall, Asian lady beetles enter structures through gaps around window frames, siding seams, soffits, and vents. Prevent this intrusion by sealing these gaps early in the season. Applying a perimeter treatment directly to the exterior staging surfaces is very effective at keeping beetles outdoors.
If you are dealing with an Asian lady beetle infestation, Mosquito Squad of Chelmsford-Cambridge can help. Mosquito Squad's home and yard coverage works the perimeter where overwintering pests get in. This can help you protect your interior before they start overwintering in your home.
