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Lady Beetle damage
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University) |
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Common Name: Lady Beetle - damage
See also: adult | larva Scientific Name: Coccinellidae: several species Status: very beneficial insect but an annoying household invader Beneficial Stage: larval and adult Value: Larvae feed on aphids, soft-scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and other pests. One mature lady beetle larvae can eat its weight in aphids (approximately 400 aphids) in one day. Lady beetles are extremely beneficial insects but can an annoyance when they appear in large numbers in the home. One species of lady beetle (multicolored Asian lady beetle) has a peculiar behavior of congregating and passing the winter in man-made structures. This causes significant annoyance to homeowners and may become a health problem. Management: Cultural controls—sealing entry points in the fall and vacuuming emerging beetles—are effective against low populations. Pesticides applied to the outside of a home during late Fall can decrease beetle invasions during periods of high beetle activity. |
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