Ladybugs (not a true bug but a beetle) are also known as lady beetles or ladybirds. They are small, colorful insects belonging to the Coccinellidae family. These beetles are commonly recognized for their bright red or orange bodies with black spots that serve as a warning to predators that they will taste bad. These beetles are often considered symbols of good luck and are well-loved in many cultures. Lady beetles are found worldwide, inhabiting various environments, such as gardens, forests, grasslands, and urban areas.

Identifying ladybugs and their lookalikes

There are over 475 species of lady beetles in North America. Common characteristics of lady beetles include:

  • Body: Ladybugs are small, dome-shaped beetles with six short legs. They have a smooth, rounded shell, and their wings are hidden beneath their protective outer shell, called the elytra.
  • Size: They usually range between 1/16 to 3/8 of an inch long.
  • Color: Ladybugs can be bright shades of yellow, pink, orange, red, or black and may have distinctive spots.

Asian lady beetles and Mexican bean beetles are often mistaken for lady beetle. You can distinguish true lady beetle from their lookalikes by paying close attention to the coloration, spot patterns, and specific markings.

  • Asian lady beetle:
    • Color and spots: Asian lady beetles can look very similar to native lady beetles. They come in various colors, including yellow, orange, and red. They may have more or fewer spots than ladybugs, and some may have no spots at all. A key difference is a distinctive black marking behind their head in the shape of an "M" or "W."
  • Mexican bean beetle:
    • Color and spots: The Mexican bean beetle is another lookalike, but it is yellowish-brown to orange in color. Unlike the typical ladybug, it has a matte finish, and its spots are usually more uniformly distributed.
lady bug vs similar types

A ladybug, Asian lady beetle, and Mexican bean beetle

What do ladybugs eat?

Lady beetles primarily feed on aphids, which are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage plants. They also consume other small pests, such as scale insects, mites, and whiteflies. A single ladybug can consume up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime, making them incredibly effective natural pest controllers.

Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects for gardens and agriculture due to their appetite for pests that damage crops and plants. Gardeners and farmers often encourage ladybug populations as a sustainable way to help protect plants from insect damage.

Ladybug lifecycle

There are four main life cycle stages for lady beetles:

  1. Egg: The lifecycle begins when a female ladybug lays clusters of ten to 50 eggs on the underside of leaves. These eggs hatch within three to ten days, depending on the temperature.
  2. Larva: After hatching, the larvae begin feeding immediately. This stage lasts two to four weeks, during which they molt several times as they grow. The larva attaches to a leaf or surface to pupate (metamorphose) and transform into an adult.
  3. Pupa: During this stage, the pupa remains still and attached to a leaf or other surface. It is in the process of transforming into an adult, which lasts about seven to 15 days.
  4. Adult: Newly emerged adults have soft exoskeletons and appear pale. They quickly harden and develop the bright colors characteristic of ladybugs.

Ladybugs typically live around one year, though some can reach up to two years. They are most active from early spring to late fall, peaking in summer, and spend winter in dormancy, often clustering in groups for warmth. Lady beetles have several natural predators, including birds, frogs, wasps, spiders, and dragonflies.

lady bug

Are ladybugs dangerous?

While ladybugs can bite, they rarely do so. Their bite is mild and usually doesn't break the skin. It may cause minor irritation, but it's not harmful or dangerous. Some people may have allergic reactions to lady beetles, especially to the Asian lady beetle.

Although they’re not dangerous, ladybugs can become a nuisance inside homes during colder months. They seek warmth and shelter and may leave a yellowish secretion that can stain walls and surfaces, but they do not cause structural damage.

Why are ladybugs attracted to my house?

Ladybugs are attracted to homes, especially in cooler months, for several reasons:

  1. Warmth and shelter: As temperatures drop, lady beetles seek warm, sheltered places to overwinter. Homes provide ideal conditions, with warm air, protected spaces, and small entry points. Due to more sun exposure and warmth, they will often congregate and enter a home on the south side.
  2. Bright colors: Ladybugs are drawn to light-colored surfaces, such as white or light-colored walls and siding. This makes homes with these features more attractive to them.
  3. Natural habitat nearby: If your home is near gardens, wooded areas, or fields with plenty of vegetation, ladybugs are likely nearby and may venture into homes while searching for a warm place.
lady bug on plant

How to help get rid of and keep ladybugs out of my house

To help get rid of ladybugs and prevent them from entering your home, these tips can help:

  1. Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove ladybugs from walls and windows.
  2. Use sticky traps: Place sticky traps near windows, doorways, or other entry points to help catch ladybugs before they spread.
  3. Light traps: Set up light traps at night to attract and capture lady beetles.
  4. Seal cracks and gaps: Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation.
  5. Limit vegetation near your home: Ladybugs love gardens and plants, so keeping vegetation away from the foundation of your house can help reduce their presence.

By following these steps, you can help manage ladybug invasions and make your home less appealing to them in the future.