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| Ladybird Beetle |
Ladybird Beetle
Scientific name: Harmonia axyridis
Family name:Coccinellidae
Order name:Coleoptera
Origin:Asia
Nature of damage
Ladybugs have always been considered beneficial insects, worthy of protection. Large numbers of lady beetles (ladybugs) infesting homes and buildings. Ladybugs normally are considered beneficial since they live outdoors and feed on plant pests. One species of lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, can be a nuisance however, when they fly to buildings in search of overwintering sites and end up indoors. Once inside they crawl about on windows, walls, attics, etc., often emitting a noxious odor and yellowish staining fluid before dying. Lady beetles do not attack wood, food or clothing.
Life history
1. The cycle from egg to adult takes a little over a month, and longer during cooler weather.
2. Eggs may hatch in 3-5 days,
3. Larvae may feed for about 2 weeks, and pupation lasts almost another week
4. Then adults emerge end can live up to three years.
Control measure
1. Sweep up emerging beetles and deposit them outside if possible vacuum if necessary each day of emergence using extensions and remove beater baron vacuum. Empty the vacuum bag outside since they may exit the bag once the vacuum is stored.
2. For long-term control, seal the beetles out before they enter by caulking with a good quality silicone-latex caulk around all external cracks, pipes, doorways, vents, windows, etc.
3. Install screening (20-mesh maximum) over attic and exhaust vents, and use door sweeps on all doors.
4. Use of UV light traps may enhance attraction to collection devices during emergence.
5. Spraying and fogging the living spaces offers only temporary relief and is not recommended. However, strategic aerosol injection of outer structural voids with synergized pyrethroids can reduce overwintering populations significantly.
6. Foam weather-strip bases of sliding glass doors.