Fall Pest Alert – Asian Lady Bug

Pest: Asian Lady beetle or Multicolored Asian Lady beetle,
Harmonia axyridis (meaning: absurd circle in harmony)

Identification

Adults are 4 to 8 mm.
Variable elytra coloration with no spots or up to 10 spots. Yellow pronotum possesses up to 5 black spots forming an M-shape or trapezoid pattern. Larvae are black with bi-lateral orange sawtoothed bands. Pupae are orange with bi-lateral black markings.

Characteristics

Adults and larvae prey upon aphids and scale insects and serve as beneficial when not a structural nuisance. A nuisance pest when en masse aggregations form on and within structures. Adults are observed year-round in warm climates, and can overwinter within structures in colder climates.

When threatened, Asian Lady beetle will reflex bleed. This is a defensive behavior consisting of an exuded noxious fluid. Consisting of haemolymph and noxious chemicals, fluid flows through exoskeleton pores.

Controls

The PestWest Asian Lady Beetle Lure has a powerful calling behavior or sex pheromone lure to attract male Asian Lady beetles. The lure is sold separately and is a wonderful add-on to the PestWest Window Wonder Trap. Additionally, lure can be added to PestWest insect light trap* (ILT) quality glue boards. Finally, exclude beetles by sealing exterior openings, and application of a properly labeled insecticide (chemical fence).

Asian Lady beetle is a nuisance pest. As temperatures drop, beetles invade structures to over-winter. On sunny, warmer days, beetles are observed on western and southern windows and both within, and emerging from, structural spaces.

Place Window Wonder traps with Asian Lady Beetle Lure year-round, but in greater numbers during the early fall.
Place Window Wonder traps containing Asian Lady Beetle Lure(s) as to not come in contact with children and pets.
Place Window Wonder traps at bases of windows (especially on western and southern exposures).
Replace Window Wonder trap glue boards when filled with beetles and/or other insects or when overly dusty.
Replace Asian Lady Beetle Lure every 30 days.
Store Asian Lady Beetle Lure in a dry, well-ventilated, and cool space.
Do not smoke or eat prior to handling Asian Lady Beetle Lure.
Wash hands before and after handling Asian Lady Beetle Lure.

Product codes:
110-000590: Window wonder
110-000618: Asian Lady Bug lure

Ask your favorite distributor or call 866 476 7378 for more details.

*Prior to any attic or spatial deployments of PestWest ILT systems, check and comply with all electrical and fire codes.
Deploy all ILT systems per PestWest Instructions for Use.