Yes, occasionally, though it is more of a pinch than a true bite. Asian lady beetles are not generally aggressive insects seeking people to attack.
It’s not even technically a “bite,” but it still hurts a little and you don’t want to have it happen to you. For the most part, Asian lady beetles, which look like ladybugs, only pinch skin when they feel threatened. They’re not aggressive by nature and this only tends to happen if they’re already indoors.
Asian lady beetles spend the warmer months outdoors feeding on aphids and other small insects. When cold weather starts to come in, they begin looking for sheltered places to overwinter and may gather both on and in houses in large numbers. Some eventually get into wall voids, attics, and other living spaces.
When beetles land on exposed skin, an individual may sometimes test or pinch the surface with its mouthparts. It's not anyone's favorite sensation, but it's a very different kind of behavior when you compare it to blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes or ticks.
That’s not the only annoying thing Asian lady beetles do. If you crush or startle them, they can let out a yellowish defensive fluid. It stains surfaces and can smell unpleasant. It's better to vacuum them up or drop them into a dish of soap and water.
The larger problem is usually exclusion. That means the main thing you will want to do is keep them from getting inside in the first place. If beetles are appearing indoors, inspect window and door frames, siding, vents, soffits, rooflines, and utility penetrations for possible entry points. It’s best to seal gaps and repair screens before they start massing on walls in fall.
If Asian lady beetles are becoming a problem around your Northwest Indiana property, Mosquito Squad of Northwest Indiana can help with pest control around the property. Call (219) 402-3344 or request a free quote online.
