Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Ask the Expert Button
Home > Bugs > Bugs of Homes and Structures > Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle—Harmonia axyridis

Many species of lady beetles help control agricultural and other pests in the United States. One species, Harmonia axyridis, can become a pest by invading houses in large numbers, although it does no actual damage to humans, pets or structures.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles Multicolored Asian lady beetle larva
Multicolored Asian lady beetles come in a wide variety of colors. They enter buildings in the fall searching for overwintering sites. Larvae are usually found on plants, their primary food is aphids.

Click on images to view full-size

 

Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

 

[Photos, left to right: Bill Ree, Texas A&M University, Bugwood.org; Louis Tedders, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org; David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org]

 
It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.