WSU Extension

Pestsense

Multi-colored Asian lady beetle

(revision date: 9/3/2015)


Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Biology
The multi-colored Asian lady beetle was introduced into the United States as a biological control agent and is now found in large numbers in Washington. As their name indicates, these beetles come in many different colors from red or orange with black dots to black with red dots. No matter what color they are, multi-colored Asian lady beetles are voracious predators. The larvae look like small, spiny, black and orange alligators. Both the adults and lady beetle larvae are beneficial and eat soft-bodied insects such as aphids. Most lady beetles spend the winter months in large groups. Unfortunately, the multi-colored Asian lady beetle tends to congregate and look for overwintering sites on houses and other buildings. The beetles are attracted to the vertical surfaces of the house walls and the warmth of the house tends to draw them inside. Multi-colored Asian lady beetles are not a health threat, but they have been known to bite, and they can produce an unpleasant odor and stain. For more information on lady beetles, see the Lady beetles page in the Curiosity/Beneficial section of this website.
Management Options

Non-Chemical Management
  • Locate and seal up cracks and crevices and other beetle entry points.
  • Make sure screens and doors are tight-fitting.
  • Vacuum up beetles and dispose of them far away from the building.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended.

Images
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Caption: The many colors of the Multi-colored Asian lady beetle.
Photo by: Bill Ree, Texas A&M University, Bugwood.org
Caption: The larvae of the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle are predaceous on aphids.
Photo by: M. Bush
Caption: Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle comes in many forms including red spots on black wings.
Photo by: J. Vanden Houwen, WSU Extension
Caption: Dark form of Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, Harmonia axyridis
Photo by: M. Bush