The fall guests nobody invited
Asian lady beetles gather on warm walls in fall and look for a way inside, so sealing up early and keeping a barrier in place matters.
Sunny walls.
They gather on the warm south and west sides of homes on bright fall afternoons.
Gentle handling.
Crushing them leaves a yellow stain and a sharp smell, so vacuum them up instead.
Coverage.
Beetles are covered on every Rock Pest plan, with free re-service between visits.
Asian lady beetles are the orange, spotted beetles that cluster on sunny Kansas City walls in fall and then work their way inside for winter. They don’t eat your food or damage wood. They’re a nuisance that stains, smells and shows up by the dozen.
Beetles are covered on our home pest control plans, and a fall barrier plus sealed gaps keeps most of them outside. Here’s how to spot them and what to do.
How do you identify Asian lady beetles?
Asian lady beetles are round, about a quarter inch long, and range from pale yellow to deep orange or red. Most have a black “M” or “W” shaped mark behind the head.
Spot counts vary a lot, from none to many. Native ladybugs are often a bit smaller and more solid red. Our post on common beetles in Kansas City covers other beetles you might find.
Why do Asian lady beetles come inside in fall?
They come inside to find shelter for winter. As nights turn cold, they gather on warm, sunny walls and crawl into gaps around windows, siding, soffits and attic vents.
Once in your walls or attic, they stay quiet until a warm day. Then they wander toward light and end up on windows and ceilings. Boxelder bugs and stink bugs follow the same pattern, as our post on keeping fall invaders outside explains.
Should you crush Asian lady beetles?
No. When disturbed, Asian lady beetles release a yellowish fluid that stains walls, curtains and carpet and smells bad.
Vacuum them up instead and empty the bag or canister outside right away. They can give a small pinch now and then, but they aren’t dangerous.
How do you keep Asian lady beetles out?
Seal entry points before fall and keep an exterior barrier in place. Even small gaps can let in a lot of beetles.
- Caulk gaps around window and door frames.
- Repair torn window and vent screens.
- Seal openings where pipes and wires enter.
- Check weatherstripping and door sweeps.
Our pest proof your home checklist walks through more spots.
How do we treat for Asian lady beetles?
On each visit, we inspect your home and entry points, apply an exterior barrier and treat inside where needed. We match the treatment to your home, the pests and the season. Your tech will walk you through the treatment plan for your home.
Lady beetles rarely come alone. See our guides to stink bugs in winter, cluster flies and clover mites.
Seeing orange beetles piling up on your windows? Call 913-735-5451, answered 24/7, or schedule online. Most services can be scheduled same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asian lady beetles are mostly a nuisance, not a danger. They can stain surfaces, smell when crushed and give a small pinch, but they don’t damage wood or eat stored food.
Asian lady beetles show up in fall as nights turn cold, gathering on sunny walls before slipping inside. They can reappear on warm winter and early spring days.
Vacuum them and empty the bag or canister outside right away. Avoid crushing them, since that leaves a yellow stain and a strong smell.
Yes, beetles are covered on every Rock Pest home pest control plan. Quarterly plans start at $56.50 a month with free re-service between visits.
Asian lady beetles usually have a black “M” or “W” mark behind the head and vary from yellow to red. Native ladybugs tend to be smaller and more solid red.
