They can become much more active on a warm day, but some of the beetles you see may already have been on or inside the home.
Asian lady beetle activity is generally pretty predictable, but it’s not necessarily obvious why they do what they do until you understand the reasons for it. Cold periods alert them that winter is on the way. Then sunshine returns, temperatures rise, and suddenly beetles are flying around exterior walls or appearing at windows. Many of them are doing this because they’re looking for a place to overwinter.
This is why Asian lady beetles, like a lot of overwintering insects, tend to go for sun-warmed, light-colored walls. They do this because they get more sunlight and tend to heat up more, but while there, they also start looking for a way to get into more permanent shelter. This is when they start crawling into siding gaps to access wall voids and attic spaces. That’s a better long-term home for them.
This is the reason why beetles tend to appear suddenly after a temperature change. Warm, sunny walls are especially noticeable gathering areas. South- and west-facing surfaces often reach a higher temperature, which they like. Once beetles reach the house, exterior gaps determine whether they remain outdoors or find protected interior spaces.
If you want to keep them from getting inside your home this winter, there are some things you can do to discourage their entry. Inspect windows, doors, siding, soffits, vents, and utility penetrations before late-fall activity peaks. Seal gaps you find, replace worn weatherstripping, and replace torn or broken vents or screens.
If Asian lady beetles are becoming a problem around your Northeast Minnesota property, Mosquito Squad of Northeast Minnesota can help with pest control around the property. Call (218) 325-9495 or request a free quote online.
