
Asian Beetles: Iowa’s Stinky Home Invaders
Not going to lie, I am sick of these nasty critters. And if you've lived in Iowa long enough, you've probably encountered these deplorable fall guests: the Asian lady beetle. These little bugs might look like the friendly ladybugs we all know and love, but don’t let their appearance fool you! Asian beetles, Harmonia axyridis, are notorious for invading homes when the weather cools down, leaving behind more than just a bad smell.
Lady Bug on left. Asian Lady Beetle on right.
Originally from Eastern Asia, these beetles were brought to the United States to help farmers by controlling pesky insects like aphids and mites. Sounds great, right? Well, it was (I guess)—until the beetles decided they liked more than just Iowa's corn and soybean fields. They’ve since become unwelcome houseguests, especially during the fall when they flock to our homes for warmth and a place to set up shop for the winter.

How to Spot an Asian Beetle
So, how do you tell an Asian lady beetle apart from our cute, non-threatening ladybug? First, check out their colors: they come in shades of yellow, orange, and semi-red. Their bodies are oval-shaped, and if you look closely, you'll notice a unique “M” (or “W,” depending on your angle) between their head and thorax. This marking is their giveaway feature! They may also have up to 22 black spots on their back, but their spot count can vary widely.
Here are the different life stages of the Asian Lady Beetle.
But, Why Are They Invading My House?
As the weather cools, these beetles seek out warm, sunny places to hibernate—like the southwest sides of houses. In Iowa, they’ll often sneak into your home through tiny cracks, window screens, or around door frames (my main issue). With their small size, they can get into spaces as narrow as one-eighth of an inch, so keeping them out is almost impossible at times. Not to mention the nasty buggers fly and will attempt to invade as soon as a door or window is opened!
Even worse, once inside, they can be a bit of a pain. First off they will bite you. I don't care what the "experts" say, it's definitely not fun to be "pinched" by a nasty stinky bug. Speaking of which it's even worse when they are squished. They emit a stinky, yellow secretion when threatened or squished. This nasty stuff can leave stains on furniture or walls. Lovely, right?
Seriously though, I have been running a small hoover vacuum nightly to remove these pests from my home. They love to congregate in ceiling corners. They are even worse when they start flying around, bouncing off walls, lights, and really all surfaces like a drink pilot. What's even more disgusting is when the nasty things land on your neck and you swat them. Ther is nothing quite like the grotesque smell of squashed Asian beetle following you around all evening.
This guy was in the corner of my ceiling, along with about 20 of his buddies.
Thankfully, these guys are just a nuisance and not dangerous at all. These beetles don’t carry diseases or transmit them when they bite. They don't have venom or anything like that. Additionally, they are unlikely to cause structural damage (although their poop and "blood" can stain surfaces.). Also, they won’t breed indoors. They’re mainly just a nuisance with their smelly secretions and large numbers. So, while they might be annoying, they’re not a real threat to your health or home. Just super, duper annoying.
But, How Do I Keep Them Outside!?
- Seal cracks and gaps: These beetles can wiggle through even the tiniest spaces, so make sure to seal up any cracks around windows, doors, and utility pipes.
- Repair screens: Check your window and door screens for tears or holes and get them fixed.
- Seal entry points: Use caulking around doors and windows to block potential entry points.
- If a few Asian lady beetles manage to sneak into your house, don’t panic, vacuuming them up is a quick, easy, and chemical-free way to deal with any beetles you find indoors.
So, while these stinky little invaders might try to make your home their winter retreat, a few preventive measures can help keep them out—and let you enjoy a bug-free fall in peace!
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Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale
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