Home Invasion to Begin Soon

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle will invade homes throughout many parts of the United States.  Those homes that have been invaded in the past are the most likely targets this fall.  A good sign for home invasion is a large number of beetles  on landscape plants.  The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle is a helpful predator during the year because of its predation on aphids and other pests and thus found in large numbers on landscape plants.  The lady beetles vary in different shades of yellow, orange or red, either with or without black spots on the wing covers.   Unfortunately, during this time of the year many homeowners look for ways to control this insect. 

What triggers these beetles to begin invading homes (looking for a place to overwinter) is usually the passing of a cold front that produces heavy rain followed by clearing skies and a frost.  Generally, this weather pattern is followed by a warming trend, which triggers these beetles to seek shelter. 

 Weatherproofing your home by sealing cracks around windows and installing tight fitting door sweeps.  A good technique for checking for cracks, is to go outside at night with a flashlight.  Shine the flashlight along the windows and doors, while someone inside observes for light penetration.  If light can come through, so can the beetles.  If heavy infestations get into the home vacuuming and then sealing and disposing the bag is an effective means of removing the beetles.  Exterior insecticide application to the house in from middle of October to early November may also help keep the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle from infesting your home. 

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