Ladybug Facts and How to Get Rid of Ladybugs

Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, are generally beneficial insects that feed on pests like aphids. However, when they invade your home, they can become a nuisance. This guide covers everything you need to know about ladybugs, including important facts and how to get rid of ladybugs long-term.

Types of Ladybugs

Common Ladybug

The Common Ladybug (Hippodamia convergens) is well-known for its bright red body adorned with black spots. These ladybugs are typically found in gardens and homes, where they feed on aphids and small insects. Their role in controlling garden pests makes them a welcome presence outdoors, but when they migrate indoors, they can become problematic.

Asian Lady Beetle

The Asian Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a more recent arrival in many areas and can be identified by its varied coloration, ranging from orange to yellow or red, with spots that may vary in number. These beetles, sometimes called orange ladybugs, are often found in gardens, homes, and buildings. Methods for dealing with Asian lady beetles vs ladybugs aren’t exactly the same since Asian lady beetles can be more aggressive and are known to enter homes in large numbers — particularly in the fall when seeking shelter for the winter. They feed on aphids and scale insects, but their tendency to bite when provoked and their habit of clustering indoors make them less desirable.

Yellow Ladybug

The Yellow Ladybug (Psyllobora vigintimaculata) is another distinct variety, easily recognized by its bright yellow body covered with black spots. These ladybugs are typically found in gardens and have a diet that consists mainly of mildew and fungal spores. Their unique feeding habits make them beneficial for controlling mildew, but like other ladybugs, they can become a nuisance when they find their way inside homes.

Do Ladybugs Bite?

Native ladybugs generally do not bite humans, making them harmless in that regard. However, the Asian lady beetle is an exception. While their bites are harmless and do not break the skin, they can be irritating and unpleasant, especially if they occur frequently. This biting behavior, along with their aggressive nature, distinguishes them from the more docile native species of ladybug vs Asian beetle. Are ladybugs poisonous? The answer is no, they aren’t.

Bugs That Look Like Ladybugs but Aren’t

Spotted Cucumber Beetle

The Spotted Cucumber Beetle is often mistaken for a ladybug due to its green-yellow color and black spots. However, these beetles are more commonly found in gardens where they can cause damage to a variety of plants. Unlike ladybugs, they do not help in controlling aphid populations.

Japanese Beetle

The Japanese Beetle is another look-alike, with a metallic green body and distinctive white spots along the sides. These beetles are pests in gardens and can cause significant damage to plants and flowers. Their presence is usually unwelcome, and they do not provide the same pest control benefits as ladybugs.

Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle

The Twice-stabbed Lady Beetle is black with two prominent red spots. While they resemble ladybugs, their behavior and habitat preferences can be quite different. These beetles are more likely to be found in wooded areas and are not as common in gardens or homes.

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