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Fact Sheet by Cody |
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| The Asian lady beetle is native to Asia. They were released in the United States in 1916. They were found in Louisiana in 1988. The multicolored Asian lady beetle feeds on insect pests in orchards, forests, row crops, and gardens. The lady beetles have four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Adults lay eggs on host plants in early spring. Eggs hatch in about three to five days, and larvae begin searching on plants for aphids on which to feed. The adults feed upon the same prey. The larvae molt four times. After several days the adult beetle emerges. To get from egg to adult takes 15-20 days. In the fall the adult seeks shelter (your home). To prevent this invasion, caulk exterior cracks and crevices before they seek a shelter. Lady beetles enter wall spaces in the fall, and may stay there until spring when they search for food. To trap them indoors, use light and a vacuum cleaner with a removable bag. Pesticide is unnecessary. |
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