Sometimes you may have noticed that there are small beetles swarming around your windows, walls, and lights. Although they look exactly like the ladybugs we know, they are actually a different creature. When these creatures suddenly fill your home, it can be a big headache for some people. Today we are talking about this insect called the Asian Lady Beetle, or `(Harmonia axyridis)`, which causes inconvenience to many people.
Who is this Asian lady beetle?
Simply put, this is also a member of the ladybug family. Their homeland is Asian countries. In fact, these animals were first introduced to countries like America to control insects like aphids that damage crops. That means they are a friend of farmers.
But, the problem starts when the cold weather sets in. They start looking for warm places and crawling into our homes. That's when these creatures start appearing inside our homes in droves. So, no matter how good they are for farming, when there are hundreds of them inside a house, it becomes a problem.
How do we distinguish and identify this animal from our ordinary ladybug?
Although it may seem a little difficult to tell the two apart, it's easy to do if you look at a few small characteristics. Let's see what these differences are.
| Identification feature | Asian Lady Beetle | Our ordinary ladybug |
|---|---|---|
| Color | They can come in many different colors. Orange, yellow, red, and sometimes even black. | They are often bright red. |
| Body Shape | It has a slightly elongated, oval shape. | It has a very round shape. |
| Size | A little bigger than a normal ladybug. | A little small. |
| The most important sign | On the white part behind the head , you can clearly see a black mark that looks like the letter 'M' or 'W' . This is the best way to identify him. | There is no such special 'M' or 'W' mark. |
What risk do they pose to us and our pets?
This is the biggest problem for many people.
The first and most important thing to say is that these animals are not dangerous to humans, your pet dog or cat, and they do not spread diseases.
However, they can cause a little trouble.
- Rare bites: This happens very rarely. You might get a small bite if you try to hold it in your hand and squeeze it. But it's nothing to worry about. It won't hurt much or hurt. It will feel like a small mosquito bite.
- Bad smell and stains: This is the biggest problem. When they feel scared, they release a yellow, foul-smelling liquid from their bodies. This is called 'reflex bleeding'. If this liquid gets on walls, furniture, or clothes, it leaves yellow stains. The smell also lasts for a while.
- Allergies: For some people, especially those with respiratory allergies like asthma, having a lot of these animals in the house (especially when combined with dead animal dust) can increase allergies. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing are possible. If you have such a serious problem, it is best to see your family doctor for advice .
The most important thing is that these animals do not harm the wood or walls of your house. They do not lay eggs or breed inside the house. They only come to escape the cold.
How do you prevent them from coming to the house and get rid of them?
The best thing to do is to prevent them from coming to your home. You can try these things to do that.
- Seal cracks: Check and seal any small cracks and gaps in your home, such as windows, doors, and walls. They can get in through as little as 1/8 of an inch.
- Check window screens: Check the screens on the windows for tears or holes and repair them.
- Gaps in the roof and walls: Check for gaps between roof shingles, in the walls, where wires and pipes are, and seal them with a sealant.
How do you remove it after you get home?
Imagine, they've somehow come to your house. What do you do now? Spraying insecticides is not a good idea. They can leave toxic chemicals on the surface of your house, and these animals can also develop a tolerance to them.
The best and safest way is to use a vacuum cleaner . Then you can easily remove those bad-smelling liquids before they become sticky and cause stains. After vacuuming, don't forget to take out the bag, seal it well, and put it in the trash.
It's best to avoid sweeping with a broom because they might get scared and lick the liquid.
Take-Home Message
- The Asian lady beetle is a different animal from our usual ladybug. It can be easily identified by the black 'M' or 'W' shaped mark on the white part behind its head .
- These animals are not dangerous to humans or pets. They do not spread disease or damage homes.
- The main problem they cause is the foul smell and yellow liquid that they emit when they are scared.
- For people with allergies, they may worsen symptoms. In such a case , consult your doctor .
- Seal all cracks and gaps in the house to prevent entry.
- Once inside the house, the best and safest way to remove them is to use a vacuum cleaner . Avoid using insecticides.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න