Do Asian Lady Beetles Bite? Are They Dangerous?
Short answer: the Asian lady beetle is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people. They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
Risk rating: Nuisance
They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
Are Asian lady beetles dangerous to humans?
They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
On our four-level scale, the Asian lady beetle is rated nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people. Asian Lady Beetles can bite, so it is worth handling them with care.
Are they dangerous to pets?
Asian Lady Beetles pose little risk to dogs and cats, though eating large numbers can upset a pet's stomach. Call your vet if your pet vomits repeatedly or seems unwell.
Can they damage your home or garden?
Asian Lady Beetles don't damage the structure of your home, but they can contaminate surfaces or become a nuisance indoors.
What to do if you are bitten
- Wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cool compress to reduce swelling.
- Use an over-the-counter antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream for itching, following the label.
- Avoid scratching, which can lead to infection.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
How to identify Asian lady beetles
An imported lady beetle that ranges from pale orange to red with anywhere from zero to 19 spots. In fall it gathers in large numbers on sunny walls and slips indoors to spend the winter.
- Orange to red dome-shaped body with a variable number of spots
- Black M- or W-shaped mark on the white area behind the head
- Clusters on south- and west-facing walls in fall
| Scientific name | Harmonia axyridis |
|---|---|
| Group | Beetles |
| Size | 5–8 mm (up to about 0.31 in) |
| Colors | Orange, Red and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere and Garden or plants |
| Most active | Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
When you'll see Asian lady beetles
Asian Lady Beetles are most active in fall and winter. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere and garden or plants.
About beetles
The Asian lady beetle is one of the beetles. Beetles go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (grub), pupa and adult. The larval stage often does the most feeding and damage, and it can last from a few weeks to several years depending on the species. Adults protect their flight wings under hard wing covers called elytra, which is why most beetles look armored and meet in a neat line down the back.
Look closely at larvae as well as adults. Grubs in soil, fuzzy larvae in closets and small worms in flour are all beetle larvae, and finding them tells you where the problem is centered.
How to avoid problems with Asian lady beetles
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding and utility lines before fall
- Vacuum indoor beetles instead of crushing them to avoid stains and odor
- Use a light trap in attics or rooms where they gather
Frequently asked questions
Do Asian lady beetles bite?
Yes. They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
Do Asian lady beetles sting?
No, Asian lady beetles do not sting.
Are Asian lady beetles poisonous?
The Asian lady beetle is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people. They can give a mild pinch and release a yellow, smelly fluid that stains, but they carry no disease.
Where do Asian lady beetles live?
Asian Lady Beetles are usually found indoors and in gardens and on plants, and are most active in fall and winter.