MEDIA RELEASE
April 10, 2003
Written By Kent Thiesse, U of M Extension Service
(507-389-8141)
They’re Back ------ Asian Lady Beetles
For the past few years, Asian Lady Beetles have been a troublesome insect pest in many Minnesota homes in late Winter and early Spring. Area Extension Offices have been receiving numerous calls in 2003 regarding control and management of this continuing problem, according to Kent Thiesse, University of Minnesota Extension Service.
The Asian Lady Beetles look very similar to other lady bugs; however, they are more multi-colored and vary in bit more in their shape. The lady beetles feed primarily on aphids and other soft bodied insects found on crops, gardens, trees and other plants around the home. In the Fall, when the feed source diminishes, the beetles tend to seek out the west and south sides of tall, light colored buildings to over-winter. Once they get into the foundation and structure of houses and other buildings, they tend to stay dormant until the late winter sun warms the beetles and activates them, causing them to move into the interiors of the home. There are no serious human health effects or property damage impacts from the lady beetles, even though they are a nuisance.
Thiesse said that the Asian Lady Beetle is very difficult to control once the have entered the foundation and structure of a building. Once the beetles are found in a home or office building, physical removal with a broom, vacuum cleaner, etc. is about the only practical way to remove them. There are no effective insecticide treatments. Thiesse points out there has been some success with Fall management to prevent entry of the beetles into buildings. This includes making sure all cracks, crevices, and small openings on the foundation, around doors and windows, and in other areas of the house are properly sealed and are in good repair. There has also been some success with putting a soil applied insecticide with some residual characteristics around the foundation of the house or building in the Fall.
Most County Offices of the University of Minnesota Extension Service have a very good Information Sheet available on the Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetles. It can be picked up in person the Blue Earth County Extension Office in the basement of the Government Center in Mankato or the Faribault County Extension Office at 412 North Nicollet Avenue in Blue Earth. The Blue Earth County Office can be reached by phone at (507) 389-8325 and Faribault County at (507) 526-6240.
The information sheet is also available on the Extension Service web site under "Horticulture". The web site address is : http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/blueearth/