Upstate New Yorkers Those Pesky Insects Aren’t Ladybugs-What to Do

If you have been seeing a lot of little red bugs crawling on your house lately, you are not alone. Across Upstate New York, you may think they are ladybugs, but they are actually an invasive insect.

They are making their seasonal appearance, and people are noticing them just about everywhere.

Spot the Difference
Ladybugs are the friendly ones we usually welcome. They are bright red, round, and often have black spots. They do not bite, they do not cause damage, and many people even think they bring good luck. Ladybugs also prefer the outdoors and rarely gather in big groups.

Asian beetles, though, look very similar but behave differently. They can range from orange to reddish and might not have any spots at all. They tend to swarm in large numbers and will try to sneak into homes once the weather starts to cool.

READ MORE: How To Deal With The Invasion of Stink Bugs

Are Asian Beetles Harmful?
They do not bite, but they have a rather unpleasant defense move. If they feel threatened, they release a yellow fluid that smells bad and can stain furniture or walls. It is their way to defend themselves.

Why They Invade Homes
As the temperatures drop, Asian beetles search for warmth. Outdoors, they often cannot survive the winter, so they make their way inside where it is cozy. Even though they might last a little longer indoors, they do not live long without food.

Getting Rid of Them
No fancy tricks needed. Experts say your best bet is to sweep or vacuum them up and toss them outside.