Asian lady beetles are known for inviting themselves into houses and other structures during winter to hibernate!
Soffit and gable vents in home attics are common entry points for the beetles, but they will come in any way they can. Any crack in windows, walls or the sides of doors is a welcome mat.
It is no coincidence that most homeowners who face problems with Asian lady beetles and many other insects live in wooded areas. Asian lady beetles are beneficial because they feed on tree-dwelling aphids, white flies, small caterpillars and other pests.
However, when the beetles are indoors, they serve no good purpose and become pests themselves. They can cause small stains on walls and wall coverings, and some people are allergic to the dust from the bodies of dead beetles.
How to prevent Asian lady beetles from entering your home:Summer is the best time to seal off entry points on the exterior of the home. Use caulking or foam sealant to seal entry points around plumbing and cracks in brickwork and woodwork.Any time of year is acceptable for sealing cracks on inside walls and ceilings, along with doors and windows that open directly to the outside. Install sweeps on door bottoms and metal spring strips or weather stripping around door jambs to keep lady beetles from entering at these points. Check roof, gable and soffit vents to make sure they are adequately screened.
Insecticide treatments are most beneficial on buildings that have too many potential entry points to effectively seal. Where sealing is practical, it is far more effective than relying on insecticides, and it can also conserve energy.
If they still find their way into your home, you should consider sweeping or vacuuming them up.
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