Releases were made in Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Numerous attempts to introduce this valuable predator to the United States were made by the United States Department of Agriculture between 19. They feed on harmful aphids and some scale insects associated with trees, shrubs, bushes, low growing ornamentals, roses, wheat, cotton, tobacco and other crops. In spite of troublesome, annoying populations, these insects are considered very “beneficial” to agriculture. Some people are sensitive or allergic to the fluid that lady beetles secrete, which can cause contact dermatitis and a stinging sensation. These allergies clear up once the lady beetles are removed.
They may cause inhalant allergies in some people. Occasionally, the beetles may bite and can draw blood on tender skin. These beetles do not carry human diseases, nor feed on wood, clothing or food. In February and March these beetles are often seen again during bright, warm, sunny days when they attempt to get out of a sheltered spot, such as a house, for the outdoor habitat. Then they all may begin to move to shelter. When a few adults find a suitable spot, they release a chemical (pheromone) that attracts other multicolored Asian lady beetles to the same location. Multicolored Asian lady beetles are oval, about 1/4 inch long, 3/16 inch wide, yellow to orange to red colored and may or may not have black spots on their bodies.Īdults often cluster together in October and November to overwinter in sheltered locations. They have also been called the Halloween lady beetle and Japanese lady beetle. The beetles found around most homes are known as the multicolored Asian lady beetle. Researchers believe that mild summers with high populations of aphids, which lady beetles eat, will often result in large populations. These beetles can get indoors and may become a serious nuisance. Some residents have report thousands of these beetles congregating on outside walls, windows, doors, porches and decks, especially on the sunny south and west side of buildings. In the fall, large numbers of lady beetles (ladybugs) may be found around homes and other buildings in South Carolina. ©Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service,
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