ASIAN LADY BEETLE EXTERMINATOR - MONTREAL & SOUTH SHORE

Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) are a highly adaptable and resilient species, known for their ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Here are more detailed aspects of this beetle: Origin and Introduction: • Native Range: Originally from East Asia (including Japan, China, and Korea), Asian lady beetles were introduced to North America in the late 1970s by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as part of a biological pest control program. They were brought in to help control aphids and other pests in agricultural fields. • Spread and Invasion: Over time, they adapted well to North America’s climate and environment, spreading rapidly across the continent. They are now found throughout the United States and Canada. Physical Appearance: • Color and Patterns: These beetles can vary greatly in appearance, from bright orange to red or even yellow, with black spots on their wing covers. Some beetles may have very few spots or none at all. • Size: They are approximately 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (6-8 mm) long. • Distinctive Features: One of the most noticeable features is a white "M"-shaped mark on the thorax, just behind the head. This mark is one of the key identifiers distinguishing them from other ladybug species. Habitat: • Asian lady beetles are extremely adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, forests, and urban areas. They thrive in both rural and suburban environments, especially where there are abundant aphid populations. • In the fall, they often invade homes, barns, and buildings in search of warmth, as they are not true hibernators. Instead, they enter a dormant state known as diapause, similar to hibernation. Feeding and Diet: • Primary Diet: They are predators of soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, which makes them beneficial to gardeners and farmers. They also consume other pests, including scale insects, mealybugs, and mites. • Secondary Diet: While they primarily target pests, they may also feed on fruits, vegetables, and even crops in some instances. In large numbers, they can cause damage to plants and fruit by feeding on them. Behavior and Lifecycle: • Mating: Adult female Asian lady beetles lay clusters of eggs, often near aphid colonies or other food sources. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on aphids and grow into pupae before becoming adults. • Swarming: In late autumn, the beetles form large groups and begin migrating indoors to seek shelter from the cold. They can accumulate in attics, wall voids, and other warm areas. • Wintering: During the winter, Asian lady beetles remain inactive in these protected areas. In spring, they emerge to continue their feeding cycle. Impact and Invasiveness: • Pest Control: Their primary benefit lies in their ability to control aphid populations in gardens and farms. They have been widely used for biological pest control in agriculture. • Negative Impacts: While they help with pest control, their invasion of homes can be problematic. When they enter homes, they can release a yellowish fluid from their legs as a defense mechanism, which may stain surfaces and leave a strong odor. Additionally, large infestations can be overwhelming for homeowners. • Allergenic Properties: Some people may have allergic reactions to the beetles or their secretions, especially when they are found in large numbers inside homes. Control Methods: • Preventive Measures: Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and vents can prevent Asian lady beetles from entering homes. Using screens on vents and sealing entry points is essential. • Removal: If Asian lady beetles are already inside, they can be vacuumed up (using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment) or removed by hand. Avoid crushing them, as their defensive chemicals can leave stains and odors. • Insecticides: In some cases, insecticides may be used outdoors to reduce the number of beetles, particularly if they are congregating in large numbers. Public Perception and Controversy: • Nuisance Factor: Many homeowners see Asian lady beetles as a nuisance because of their tendency to swarm into homes in the fall. Their invasions can be unpleasant, particularly when they are difficult to remove or accumulate in large quantities. • Invasive Species: Because Asian lady beetles have displaced some native ladybug species and caused issues for agriculture, they are considered an invasive species in many regions. Overall, Asian lady beetles are a double-edged sword—they provide valuable pest control benefits but can become a nuisance, especially when they invade homes in the colder months.

Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) differ from native ladybugs (such as the seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata) in several ways, including their appearance, behavior, and impact on the environment. Here are the main differences: 1. Appearance: • Color and Spot Patterns: • Asian lady beetles are highly variable in color, ranging from orange to red with black spots, and some may have no spots at all. Some may appear almost solid in color. • Native ladybugs, like the seven-spotted ladybug, typically have a red body with black spots, and their pattern is more consistent. • Asian lady beetles can have a characteristic "M" or "W" shaped mark on the white part behind their heads, which is absent in native species. 2. Size: • Asian lady beetles are slightly larger, typically around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (6–8 mm) long. • Native ladybugs, like the seven-spotted variety, are typically smaller. 3. Behavior and Activity: • Habitat and Overwintering: • Asian lady beetles tend to invade homes in the fall, looking for places to overwinter, and can swarm in large numbers. They seek warmth and shelter in buildings, often entering cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors. • Native ladybugs usually don’t invade homes in large numbers; they tend to stay outdoors, especially during the winter. • Feeding Habits: • Asian lady beetles are general predators of aphids and other pests but can also feed on fruits, vegetables, and crops, sometimes causing damage in large numbers. They are known for their ability to consume a large variety of pests, which can lead to them being used in pest control. • Native ladybugs, particularly the seven-spotted ladybug, also feed primarily on aphids and other soft-bodied insects but are generally more focused on pest control in natural environments. 4. Impact on Ecosystems: • Invasiveness: • Asian lady beetles are an invasive species in many regions. Since their introduction to North America, they have displaced native ladybug populations, potentially reducing biodiversity. • Native ladybugs, in contrast, are a natural part of their ecosystems and do not threaten local species in the same way. • Effect on Agriculture: • Asian lady beetles were originally introduced for pest control in agriculture, where they help manage aphid populations. However, they sometimes feed on crops like grapes, apples, and other fruit, which can damage agricultural produce. • Native ladybugs generally do not cause such agricultural problems and are more focused on keeping aphids under control without harming crops. 5. Defensive Mechanism: • Asian lady beetles have a stronger defense mechanism compared to native ladybugs. When threatened, they secrete a yellowish fluid from their legs, which can leave stains and emit a strong odor. This can be unpleasant for homeowners when they infest indoor spaces. • Native ladybugs also release a fluid when threatened, but it is typically not as foul-smelling or staining as that of the Asian lady beetles. 6. Reproduction: • Both species reproduce by laying eggs in clusters near aphid populations. However, Asian lady beetles can reproduce in larger numbers and spread more quickly, contributing to their invasive nature. 7. Lifespan: • The lifespan of Asian lady beetles can vary but typically lasts about 1 year, with some surviving over winter in diapause (a form of dormancy). • Native ladybugs usually live about 1 year as well, though their lifecycle can be more dependent on environmental conditions. In summary, while both Asian lady beetles and native ladybugs are beneficial predators of pests like aphids, the Asian lady beetles are more invasive, have a more variable appearance, and exhibit behaviors like swarming into homes in the fall. These characteristics set them apart from native ladybugs, which generally do not pose the same nuisance or environmental challenges.

Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) invade homes primarily due to their behavioral and environmental needs, especially during the fall. Here are the main reasons why they seek shelter in human homes: 1. Seeking Warmth: • As temperatures drop in the fall, Asian lady beetles look for warm places to overwinter. Homes, especially those with cracks and crevices, provide a cozy, protected environment that offers shelter from the cold. • They typically seek out attics, wall voids, and other hidden spaces in the home where they can remain dormant during the winter months. 2. Phototaxis (Attraction to Light): • Asian lady beetles are attracted to light. During the cooler months, they may be drawn to the warmth of sunlit buildings or to windows that let in natural light. • This is why they are often seen gathering around windows, doors, and even vents in the fall. 3. High Reproductive Rates: • Asian lady beetles have high reproductive rates and produce large numbers of offspring, increasing the likelihood of infestations. As they multiply, they tend to spread and seek new shelter, including homes, to overwinter. 4. Invasive Nature: • Asian lady beetles are an invasive species that has adapted well to urban environments. They are more aggressive than native ladybugs and tend to invade in larger numbers. • Their adaptability and ability to exploit human environments have made them successful at finding homes for winter. 5. No Natural Predators: • In many areas, Asian lady beetles do not face the same level of predation that native species do. This lack of natural predators allows their populations to grow unchecked, leading to increased chances of infestation as they move into homes looking for winter refuge. 6. Previous Infestations: • Once Asian lady beetles invade a home, they tend to return to the same location in future years, attracted by familiar environmental cues such as warmth, light, or even previous beetle pheromones. 7. Mating Behavior: • During the fall, Asian lady beetles may also be seeking mates before the winter sets in. This can cause them to cluster in large groups, especially in places like windows, doors, and corners of buildings, contributing to the feeling of a "swarm." Summary: Asian lady beetles invade homes primarily to overwinter in sheltered, warm areas. They are attracted to light, reproduce in large numbers, and have a high adaptability to human-made environments. This combination of factors makes homes a prime target, especially in the fall when they are preparing for colder months.

Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) lay their eggs in protected outdoor areas where their larvae will have access to food sources, such as aphids or other small insects. Here are the typical locations where they lay their eggs: 1. On the Undersides of Leaves: • Asian lady beetles commonly lay their eggs on the underside of leaves in vegetation, where the larvae will have access to aphids or other small prey once they hatch. These locations provide protection from the elements and predators. 2. On Plant Stems or Twigs: • In addition to leaves, they may also lay their eggs on the stems or twigs of plants, especially those infested with aphids or other soft-bodied insects that their larvae will consume. 3. In Gardens and Agricultural Fields: • Asian lady beetles are often found in gardens, fields, or orchards where crops like beans, grapes, or apples provide abundant food sources for their larvae. They will choose locations in these areas where they can lay eggs and ensure the larvae have access to aphids and other pests. 4. Around Buildings or Structures: • In some cases, Asian lady beetles may lay eggs near or on the exterior of buildings or structures, especially if there are plants or vegetation around that attract aphids. However, they prefer locations where the larvae can easily find food, so they typically choose areas with nearby vegetation. 5. On Trees or Shrubs: • Asian lady beetles can also lay their eggs on trees or shrubs, especially in wooded areas or orchards, where aphid populations tend to thrive. The eggs are often deposited in clusters, and the larvae will hatch in a few days, ready to feed on nearby aphids. 6. In Areas with High Aphid Populations: • The primary factor for egg-laying is the availability of aphids. Asian lady beetles are naturally drawn to places with abundant aphid populations, as their larvae will feed on them. This is why they are often found in gardens, farms, and fields where aphids are a problem. Summary: Asian lady beetles typically lay their eggs on protected surfaces like the undersides of leaves, stems, or twigs of plants and trees, particularly where aphids or other soft-bodied insects are abundant. They seek out areas with food sources for their larvae and prefer environments like gardens, agricultural fields, and places with dense vegetation.

Asian lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis) typically enter homes in search of shelter during the cooler months, especially in the fall, when they are looking for places to overwinter. Here are the primary ways they find their way inside: 1. Cracks and Gaps in Exterior Walls: • Asian lady beetles often crawl through cracks and gaps in the exterior of a house, such as those around windows, doors, and foundation lines. Even tiny openings can provide an entry point for them to get inside. 2. Open Windows and Doors: • They can easily fly inside through open windows or doors during the fall, especially if these openings are left unattended. Beetles are drawn to the light and warmth inside the home and can easily enter if there is an opportunity. 3. Vents and Chimneys: • They can also enter homes through vents, chimneys, or other openings in the house, especially if these are not properly sealed or if there are gaps in the structure. 4. Attics and Roof Spaces: • The beetles are often attracted to the warmth of attic spaces or roof eaves. If there are any cracks or gaps in the roof or near vents, they can easily enter these spaces and make their way into the home. 5. Light: • Asian lady beetles are phototropic, meaning they are attracted to light. During the fall, they may be drawn to the warmth of sunlit windows or the lights inside the home at night, especially if they are close to an opening. 6. Existing Infestations: • If Asian lady beetles have entered a house in previous years, they may be more likely to return due to the familiarity of the environment and the pheromones left behind by other beetles. This can lead to repeat infestations in the same areas. 7. By Clustering Around Entry Points: • As the temperatures drop, lady beetles tend to cluster in large numbers around doorways, window sills, and other points of entry. This can make it easier for them to enter when the door or window is opened, as they are already in close proximity to the house. 8. Crawling Through Small Gaps in Doors or Screens: • Even tight-fitting doors or window screens can have tiny gaps around their edges where beetles can crawl through. This is especially true if the screens or seals are old or damaged. Summary: Asian lady beetles enter homes primarily during the fall when they seek shelter to overwinter. They typically gain entry through cracks, gaps, and openings in the building's structure, including around windows, doors, vents, and chimneys. They are also attracted to light and can easily fly or crawl inside when given the opportunity. Proper sealing and maintenance of the home can help prevent these beetles from finding their way indoors.

If you have an Asian lady beetle infestation in your home, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the problem from escalating. Here are the key steps to manage and eliminate the infestation: 1. Seal Entry Points: • Inspect the exterior of your home and seal any cracks, gaps, or openings where beetles can enter. This includes around windows, doors, chimneys, vents, and foundation cracks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close these gaps. • Repair or replace damaged window screens to ensure they’re properly fitted and keep beetles from flying in. 2. Vacuum the Beetles: • Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up the beetles, especially if they are clustered around windows, doors, or other entry points. Make sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or contents immediately to prevent the beetles from escaping. • Avoid crushing them, as this can release a foul-smelling substance and leave stains on surfaces. 3. Use Traps: • Ladybug traps are available for purchase and can be used to capture beetles. These traps use light or attractant substances to lure beetles, and they can help reduce the number of beetles in your home. 4. Natural Remedies: • Consider using diatomaceous earth or boric acid in areas where beetles are present. These substances are non-toxic to humans and pets but can dehydrate the beetles when they come into contact with them. • Citrus-scented sprays can deter beetles, as they dislike strong citrus smells. 5. Use Insecticides: • As a last resort, you may use insecticidal sprays labeled for indoor use against lady beetles. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the spray in areas where beetles are entering or where they are concentrated. • Outdoor insecticides can also be used around the foundation of your home to prevent beetles from entering, but these should be used with caution and according to guidelines. 6. Prevent Future Infestations: • After eliminating the current infestation, focus on preventing future infestations. Keep windows and doors closed or install screens, especially during the fall when Asian lady beetles seek shelter. • Trim back vegetation near the house, such as ivy or plants, that can provide a pathway for beetles to access your home. • Install tight-fitting door sweeps to prevent beetles from crawling under doors. 7. Professional Pest Control: • If the infestation is large or persistent, consider contacting a pest control professional. A professional can apply treatments safely and effectively to manage the infestation, especially if DIY methods have not been successful. 8. Remove Beetles Regularly: • Even after the initial infestation has been dealt with, continue to check for beetles around your home regularly, especially in the fall and spring when they are most active. Clean up any that appear to prevent further problems. Summary: To deal with an Asian lady beetle infestation, start by sealing entry points and removing the beetles through vacuuming or traps. If necessary, use natural remedies or insecticides to eliminate the beetles. Focus on long-term prevention by sealing gaps and keeping vegetation trimmed. If the infestation persists, seek help from a professional pest control service.

Yes, Asian lady beetles tend to hibernate or overwinter in homes during the winter. As the weather cools in the fall, these beetles seek warm, sheltered spots to survive the colder months. This behavior is what leads them to invade homes, especially when they cluster around windows, doors, and other entry points. How Asian Lady Beetles Hibernate: • Aggregation: They often form large groups, gathering in clusters on walls, ceilings, or hidden areas within attics, basements, or wall voids. • Survival Strategy: The beetles enter a dormant state during the winter, meaning they are not feeding or reproducing. However, they can still become active if the temperatures rise or if they are disturbed. Why They Choose Homes: Asian lady beetles are attracted to the warmth and shelter provided by homes, making them an ideal place for overwintering. They typically prefer sunny sides of buildings where they can cluster and find warmth during the day. They may also be drawn by the light or heat inside the home, which is why they often gather near windows or under eaves. Dealing with Asian Lady Beetles Overwintering: If Asian lady beetles have already entered your home to overwinter, they can be a nuisance, especially if they emerge in large numbers during the winter months when the temperatures rise or they are disturbed. To prevent an infestation: • Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and other entry points before the fall. • Install tight-fitting screens and use caulk to seal areas where they could enter. If you already have beetles overwintering in your home, the best course of action is to vacuum them up and seal the points of entry to prevent them from returning.

Yes, Asian lady beetles are more common in certain regions, especially in North America, where they were introduced in the late 20th century. The beetles have spread rapidly across the continent and are now widespread in many areas. However, their population density and the frequency of infestations can vary based on the climate, environmental conditions, and season. Regions Where Asian Lady Beetles Are More Common: 1. Northeastern United States: • Asian lady beetles are very common in this region, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, and New England. The cool, temperate climate provides ideal conditions for the beetles to overwinter in homes and other sheltered areas. 1. Midwestern United States: • They are also prevalent in the Midwest, including states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. These regions have seen significant infestations of Asian lady beetles, especially during the fall when they are looking for warm places to hibernate. 1. Southern United States: • While Asian lady beetles are less common in the southern states, they can still be found in areas like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. They may not be as widespread as in the northern regions but still seek shelter in homes during colder months. 1. Canada: • In Canada, Asian lady beetles are found in regions like Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. They are especially common in areas that experience cold winters, where beetles seek shelter in homes to overwinter. Factors Affecting Distribution: • Climate: Asian lady beetles are more common in regions with cold winters. They tend to migrate into homes to overwinter when the temperature drops, especially in the fall. However, they can also be found in areas with milder winters as long as there are places for them to shelter. • Agriculture: These beetles are often found in areas with large agricultural fields, particularly those growing soybeans, apples, and crops that attract aphids, their primary food source. • Urban Areas: Urban areas with more structures and sheltered spots may see higher concentrations of Asian lady beetles, especially in fall when they are seeking winter refuge. Spread and Increase in Numbers: • Since their introduction in North America in the late 1970s, Asian lady beetles have spread throughout the United States and Canada. They can now be found in many areas across the continent, with the highest populations in regions with a combination of warm summers and cold winters.

Asian lady beetles reproduce through a sexual process and typically mate during the spring and summer months. Here's how the reproduction process works: Reproduction Process: 1. Mating: • Male beetles will search for a female to mate with once they emerge from their overwintering sites. Mating usually takes place on the leaves or stems of plants, especially those where aphids, their primary food source, are abundant. • During mating, females can mate with multiple males over their lifespan. Mating occurs through direct genital contact. 1. Egg Laying: • After mating, the female will lay her eggs on the undersides of leaves or other sheltered locations, often near aphid colonies. • Each female can lay up to 1,000 eggs during her lifetime, typically in clusters of 20 to 50 eggs. 1. Egg Development: • The eggs are oval-shaped and are typically yellow or orange in color. • Eggs hatch within about 3 to 10 days depending on environmental conditions, such as temperature and food availability. 1. Larval Stage: • Once the eggs hatch, larvae emerge. The larvae are elongated and look quite different from the adult beetles. They are dark-colored and have spiny bodies. • Larvae feed on aphids and other small insects for several weeks, growing and molting as they mature. 1. Pupal Stage: • After a few weeks of feeding, the larvae enter the pupal stage. During this stage, they transform into adult beetles. The pupal stage lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. 1. Emergence of Adults: • Once they emerge as adults, they continue to feed on aphids, and the cycle begins again. The adult beetles may live for several months and typically reproduce in the next mating season. Reproduction and Population Growth: • Asian lady beetles are highly prolific, and a single female can produce a large number of offspring in one season, contributing to their rapid population growth. • They have multiple generations in a year, with the majority of their lifecycle occurring during the warmer months. In colder months, adult beetles enter hibernation or seek shelter in homes. The ability of Asian lady beetles to reproduce rapidly and the fact that they have few natural predators in the regions where they have been introduced has contributed to their large population sizes and widespread presence in homes during the fall and winter months.

Asian lady beetles prefer outdoor environments during the warmer months, where they can feed on aphids and other small insects. However, as the weather cools in the fall and winter, they often seek shelter indoors to hibernate or overwinter. This behavior makes them more commonly found inside homes during the colder months. Outdoor Preferences: • Feeding: In the spring and summer, Asian lady beetles are commonly found in gardens, fields, and crops, where they feed on aphids, mites, and other small insects. • Breeding: They also reproduce outdoors, laying their eggs on plants and leaves near aphid colonies. • Natural Habitat: In their native environment, they thrive in areas with abundant food sources (like aphids) and shelter. Indoor Preferences: • Winter Shelter: As temperatures drop in the fall, Asian lady beetles begin to look for warm, sheltered spots to hibernate. This often leads them into homes, buildings, and other structures, where they can find warmth and protection from the cold. • Hiding Spots: They typically enter through cracks, crevices, or gaps in windows, doors, or walls. Once inside, they tend to gather in attics, basements, or wall voids where they can overwinter. While they prefer the outdoors for feeding and reproduction, their tendency to invade homes in the fall and winter months makes them a common household nuisance during the colder seasons.

Asian lady beetles are considered invasive species because they were introduced to areas outside their native range, and their presence has caused significant ecological, agricultural, and human-related issues. Here are several reasons why they are labeled as invasive: 1. Displacement of Native Species: • Competition for Resources: Asian lady beetles compete with native ladybug species for food and shelter. In areas where both species are found, the more aggressive Asian lady beetles often outcompete the native species, leading to a decline in native ladybug populations. • Habitat Disruption: Asian lady beetles often displace native ladybugs and other beneficial insects from their natural habitats. This disruption can create imbalances in local ecosystems. 2. Rapid Reproduction and Population Growth: • Asian lady beetles are highly prolific, with each female capable of laying up to 1,000 eggs in a single season. Their ability to reproduce quickly, coupled with few natural predators in regions outside their native range, allows them to build large populations in a short period of time. • Multiple generations per year enable them to spread rapidly, outcompeting other species and overwhelming ecosystems. 3. Agricultural Damage: • While Asian lady beetles are beneficial predators of aphids and other pests, their large populations can be harmful to crops. They have been known to invade vineyards, apple orchards, and other crops during the harvest season, feeding on grapes and fruit. • Their presence on crops can lead to damage, and their odor can contaminate the produce, making it less marketable. This creates economic challenges for farmers and growers. 4. Overwintering in Homes: • One of the most disruptive behaviors of Asian lady beetles is their tendency to invade homes and other structures in the fall and winter, seeking warmth for hibernation. This behavior is especially problematic because: • The beetles can enter homes through cracks, gaps, and openings, becoming a nuisance inside buildings. • When they overwinter in large numbers, they can cause significant discomfort to homeowners and damage property. • The beetles release an unpleasant odor and can stain surfaces when crushed, leading to further issues for homeowners. 5. Impact on Biodiversity: • The spread of Asian lady beetles can lead to changes in local biodiversity. As they displace native ladybug populations and other beneficial insects, they reduce the overall diversity of the local insect population. • Their impact on natural pest control services can also affect the health of plants and crops, which in turn affects the broader ecosystem that relies on those plants for food. 6. Lack of Natural Predators: • In regions where Asian lady beetles have been introduced (such as North America and Europe), they face few natural predators, which allows their populations to grow unchecked. • Without predators to regulate their numbers, they can become a dominant species in the area, further exacerbating their invasive nature. Conclusion: Asian lady beetles are considered invasive because they outcompete native species, cause damage to crops, invade homes, and disrupt local ecosystems by altering biodiversity. While they can be beneficial in controlling pests in some contexts, their rapid reproduction, ability to thrive in new environments, and negative impacts on agriculture and human dwellings make them a problematic invasive species in many areas.

Yes, Asian lady beetles can spread to other homes or buildings, primarily through natural movement and human activity. Here are the key ways they spread: 1. Movement from Nearby Infested Areas: • Natural Spread: During the fall and winter, Asian lady beetles seek shelter in buildings to overwinter. They may enter homes and structures through cracks, gaps, and other openings. Once they find a suitable hibernation spot, they tend to stay there until the weather warms up. • Dispersal: If a home or building becomes infested with Asian lady beetles, the beetles can move to nearby buildings in search of food, shelter, or breeding grounds. This can happen when the beetles are disturbed or when they migrate to other areas for overwintering. 2. Human-Related Spread: • Transfer via Personal Belongings: People can unintentionally transport Asian lady beetles to other buildings or homes by carrying them on clothing, bags, furniture, or storage items. When individuals move between infested areas and uninfested ones, they may carry beetles along with them. • Furniture and Boxes: If infested furniture, boxes, or other items are moved into a new home or building, they can bring along Asian lady beetles that are hidden in cracks or crevices. 3. Wind Dispersal: • Although less common, Asian lady beetles can also be dispersed by wind. They are capable of flying over short to moderate distances to find new habitats or areas with more suitable conditions. 4. Neighboring Infestation: • If one building or home in a neighborhood is infested, nearby homes or buildings may soon experience an infestation as well, especially if the weather conditions prompt the beetles to seek shelter from the cold. The beetles are more likely to migrate to nearby structures that are already experiencing the same environmental conditions. 5. Attracted to Light: • Asian lady beetles are attracted to light during their search for shelter. Buildings with bright lighting or areas near windows and doors may be more likely to attract beetles, leading them to enter through openings and spread to nearby structures. Prevention: • To prevent the spread of Asian lady beetles to other buildings, it is important to seal cracks and gaps in walls, windows, doors, and vents, particularly during the fall when they are most likely to seek shelter. Properly storing items and inspecting furniture before moving them can also help avoid transferring beetles to new locations. In summary, Asian lady beetles can spread to other homes or buildings through natural movement, human activity, and environmental conditions. They are particularly common in areas near infested buildings, and taking preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of them spreading to nearby structures.