They can occasionally pinch exposed skin, but Asian lady beetles are not blood-feeding insects and do not normally seek people as prey.
Asian lady beetles are not like ticks or mosquitoes. They don’t bite, at least not in the traditional sense of the word, and they’re not out for blood. They can pinch you, and it hurts a bit, but it’s mostly a minor annoyance. The bigger problem is that they tend to overwinter in homes in great numbers when it’s cold.
Asian lady beetles spend most of the warmer season outdoors. They feed on aphids and other small insects, which can make them useful predators in gardens and agricultural areas. After a cold snap, these beetles will wait until it's warm again and then start massing on sunlit walls, often light-colored and facing south or west.
Small gaps around windows, doors, siding, soffits, attic vents, and utility penetrations can give them access to wall voids and other protected spaces. During milder winter days or when the heating really cranks, they can show up in living areas. When an Asian lady beetle lands on exposed skin, it may occasionally nip or pinch with its mouthparts.
When disturbed or crushed, Asian lady beetles can release a yellowish defensive fluid. That fluid can have a noticeable odor and may stain light-colored walls, curtains, upholstery, or other materials. So if you find a lot of them in your home at once, your best bet is to vacuum them up or knock them into a dish of soap and water.
Better yet, it helps to seal up gaps so they can’t get inside in the first place. In the fall, inspect window and door frames, screens, siding transitions, vents, soffits, and utility openings. Seal any gaps you find with caulk and also replace weatherstripping or vents and screens as needed. This can make it harder for them to get inside.
If Asian lady beetles are becoming a problem around your Waukesha County & Milwaukee North Shore property, Mosquito Squad of Waukesha County & Milwaukee North Shore can help with pest control around the property. Call (262) 333-0395 or request a free quote online.
