Are Asian Beetles Just as Beneficial as Lady Bugs?
In the past we’ve discussed the difference between Asian beetles and the common ladybug. They may look a lot alike, but they certainly aren’t carbon copies. For starters, ladybug is the term given to an entire family of beetles that include the Asian beetle. A few other key differences have a huge impact on your property, and it’s why Asian beetles aren’t as welcome as common ladybugs.
Tendency to Traveling in Swarms
Yes, Asian beetles can act as another form of pest control since they eat aphids and other insects. But their carnivorous appetites usually don’t outweigh the drawbacks. Just ask the farmers that originally used them for biological control agent on the advice of the USDA.
The problem is, they congregate in large numbers. They can quickly overwhelm an area, a problem that was first recorded in the U.S. in 1993. Part of the problem is that they can live more than a year and produce multiple generations in the warm months. Tens of thousands have been known to group together while they overwinter.
They’ll Get Around and Inside Homes
Asian beetles might be manageable in the fall and winter if they didn’t have a preference for hanging out in and around homes. Thousands will seek out the warm south and southwest-facing walls of a building once the chill of fall starts to set in at night. Asian beetles will latch onto any part of the surface including windows. If they find a crack that’s when the real trouble begins.
In order to survive the coming winter Asian beetles have to find a warm shelter, and residential properties are their favorite vacation homes. They congregate in out-of-the-way spots like the attic and wall voids, but because they remain active they can get in the living spaces.
Asian Beetles Make a Mess
It’s bad enough that they travel in huge packs and infiltrate homes, but Asian beetles are a super nuisance because of the mess they make. The insects excrete a defensive chemical that emits a nasty odor. The yellowish substance can stain walls and other surfaces. These little buggers will also bite if they feel threatened. While the bites aren’t poisonous, a small percentage of people have had allergic reactions after coming in contact with the defensive chemical.
At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. we’re all about safely treating for insects, but releasing Asian beetles will have the exact opposite effect. If you’ve found that you have an Asian beetle infestation don’t hesitate. Because of their large numbers and location within homes, it’s best to hire a professional pest control company with experience extracting insects from wall voids. Alabama residents know they can trust us to take care of the problem and quickly put an end to unwanted Asian beetle houseguests.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-profiles/are-asian-beetles-just-as-beneficial-as-lady-bugs/