Commonly known as ladybugs, multi-colored Asian lady beetles are a far cry from the vivid, dark-orange ladybugs we all remember when we were kids; they were so cute! This non-native lady beetle, inadvertently introduced by way of Asia, is a faded-orange color with a pungent, earthy odor. It is an agricultural nightmare and a nuisance in homes.

The multi-colored Asian lady beetle migrates in great numbers into homes and other buildings in the fall to overwinter (like cluster flies), then emerges in spring to go back outside to begin breeding again. They do bite, unlike regular ladybugs; some people are particularly sensitive and suffer allergic reactions.

More to come!