It’s that time of year again when the Asian lady beetles creep into people’s homes! I’m renovating my place, and I have had a ton of them! They look like little ladybugs, but these are an invasive species and really give ladybugs a bad name.
The U.S. government brought them to North America to kill another pest, but soon the population went out of control and made it to the Maritimes! There are a few things you can do to get rid of them, though. Whatever you do, don’t crush them, they stink!
Here are some ideas!
Vacuum them
- Use a vacuum with a bag, so you can tie it off and throw it away.
- If your vacuum is bagless, sprinkle cornstarch in the canister to keep them from crawling out.
Make a simple dish‑soap spray
Harmless to humans and pets.
- Mix: 1–2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap + water in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly on the bugs it breaks their outer shell and they die quickly.
- Wipe up the residue to avoid staining.
Avoid crushing them
They release a yellow, smelly fluid that:
- Stains walls, curtains, and furniture
- Attracts more beetles
What not to use
- Avoid harsh pesticides indoors they’re overkill and not needed.
- Don’t use bug bombs (they don’t work for these beetles).
Long-term fixes
These beetles try to come inside in the fall when temperatures drop.
Seal entry points
- Caulk cracks around windows & doors
- Seal gaps around siding
- Install door sweeps
- Repair torn window screens
