If you think you are seeing more ladybugs in your home than in recent years, you are not entirely wrong.
Little red bugs are invading homes in increased numbers this year thanks to Maine’s ongoing drought conditions. But the insects you’re seeing are not ladybugs.
While they are members of the same family and bear a strong resemblance to ladybugs, the insects currently clustering in the windows and attic of your home are multicolored Asian lady beetles, according to Charles Armstrong, insect diagnostican at University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
Both are in the insect family Coccinellidae, and although they look alike, they have very distinct behaviors.
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Ladybugs, with their round bodies, red wings with a few black spots, are harmless insects that feast on garden pests like aphids. They eschew crowds so they never gather together in large numbers and, most importantly, never go looking for a winter home indoors.
The multicolored Asian lady beetles, on the other hand, are considered a true pest who loves being with other beetles in great numbers, especially around warm, reflective areas such as the inside of your home’s windows.
The lady beetles don’t really bite, but when threatened or startled, they will deposit a foul smelling, yellowish fluid that can stain fabric, furniture or walls, according to Armstrong.
“The liquid is basically part of their blood, and they can ooze it out from between the joints of their legs as a defense mechanism,” he said. “It’s kind of disturbing when you think about it.”
Worst of all, multicolored Asian lady beetles will invite themselves into your home to overwinter.
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