Lady Beetles Are Out! The Benefits of the Asian Lady Beetle

Timothy J. Gibb, Extension Entomologist, Department of Entomology, Purdue University

Most everyone in the state knows something about the Asian Lady beetle.  Most of what homeowners know falls in the negative category.  It is hard to erase the experience of living with thousands of annoying and smelly lady beetles inside a home during the winter.   However, to be fair, we must also consider the benefits of these beetles.

Like all lady beetles, the Asian Lady Beetle spends the entire summer out of doors, in trees, shrubs and on crops, searching for and destroying pest insects, especially aphids.  Without the protection provided by lady beetles, many plants would be seriously damaged. 
The bottom line is that the presence of Lady beetles translates into economic gains due to increased harvests, reduced need for tree or plant replacement and reduced insecticide costs.  In addition when lady beetles substitute for pesticides by killing pest insects, we can be assured of increased health and safety for people and the environment.

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