13 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles

It’s that time of year again when Asian lady beetles invade homes for a warmer habitat.

While they’re not generally harmful, their smell can be unpleasant. So what can you do to get rid of them?

In this post, we’ll highlight a few natural remedies you can try, but you must be consistent. Some of these remedies might take some time to work, but eventually, you’ll see a difference.

So, if you’re dealing with Asian lady beetles, read on for some helpful tips to control them naturally.

Identification

The Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) is native to Asia [1]. It was introduced to the United States to help combat aphids and other pests.

These beetles have many names, like fake ladybugs, Chinese beetles, and false ladybugs. Other names include colored ladybugs, Asian ladybird beetles, and Japanese ladybugs.

At certain times of the year, these beetles become a problem for some homeowners, invading their houses in large numbers. When disturbed, they often let out an awful odor and stain surfaces with yellowish secretions.

These beetles can also cause damage to certain crops when they group up in large numbers. People often mistake them for good ladybugs.

How to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles Naturally

Below are some home remedies and natural methods for getting Asian lady beetles out of your house or the outdoors.

1. Vacuuming

One way to eliminate the beetles instantly is to vacuum them up.

However, this method isn’t foolproof, and if you have a lot of Asian lady beetles, it might take a while.

2. Bay Leaves

These leaves can be used to deter Asian lady beetles. Bay leaves emit a strong fragrance that these insects find offensive.

Therefore, place bay leaves around your home or anywhere you’ve noticed an infestation.

3. Mums

These are great Asian lady beetle-repellent plants.

The beetles do not like chrysanthemums. As a result, they will stay away from your home if you have these plants near entry points, such as doors and window sills.

4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an excellent home remedy for killing Asian beetles. After crawling through it, the beetles dehydrate and die.

To use this product, sprinkle it around the border of your home or wherever you’ve seen the beetles.

You can also use DE to make a homemade spray to kill Asian beetles. Just mix one part DE with four parts water.

Now, use it to spray the beetles and their hangout spots. When the water evaporates from it, it will work just as the raw powder does.

5. Seal Cracks and Crevices

You’ll also want to find and seal any cracks and crevices where the beetles can sneak into your home.

6. Light Traps

These traps are a great way to reduce the number of these beetles in your home without using chemicals. You can buy a light trap online or anywhere you see them sold.

You can also make a DIY Asian lady beetle trap by cutting a water bottle in half. Next, use the top half to make a funnel that channels down into the bottom half of the bottle.

Place a light source in the funnel, leaving a little space for the critters to enter the other section of the bottle.

The beetles will flock to the glittering light and get trapped inside once they go down.

7. Sticky Tapes

Sticky tape is also helpful in getting rid of Asian lady beetles. You can use it to trap the beetles and then dispose of them.

Therefore, use sticky tape around the window sills and other areas where the beetles like to flock.

8. Cloves

You might not think cloves are bug-repellent, but they work well against some insects, including Asian ladybugs!

Put some whole cloves in a bowl and place them where there is an Asian beetle infestation. The scent will make the beetles leave for another location.

Alternatively, you can make a spray for Asian beetles by combining a few drops of clove oil with water. Spray entry points with it.

9. Essential Oils

Several different essential oils can help repel insects. Citrus oils, wintergreen, citronella, and peppermint are all effective in repelling Asian lady beetles.

To use these plant-based repellents, you will need to create a spray. Fill a small spray bottle with water and add 5 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil.

Shake the bottle well to mix everything.

Once you have your spray, you can use it around your home and anywhere else you typically see Asian lady beetles.

10. Natural Predators

You can also introduce certain natural predators into your garden to help control these beetles organically.

This method won’t work overnight but will slowly reduce the Asian lady beetle population.

Some of the most common natural predators of Asian lady beetles are frogs, birds, and spined soldier bugs. Certain species of wasps also prey on ladybird larvae.

Moreover, toads eat ladybird beetles [2], so I assume they will eat these pests, too.

11. Vinegar

When used correctly, vinegar can kill Asian beetles. To do so, you only need to pour some white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the beetles directly.

Also, mix one part vinegar with one part water and spray the solution on the affected areas. This mixture will remove the pheromones they leave behind.

12. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that kills insects like Japanese beetles and other pests on plants.

It can also be deadly for ladybugs and Asian lady beetles if they come into direct contact with it.

13. BugZooka

Another method you can try to catch Asian lady beetles is the BugZooka. This device uses a catch tube to suck up bugs.

To use it, turn it on and aim the nozzle at the critters. The vacuum will do the rest. You can then release them into a container or outside, away from your home.

Takeaway

Thanks for reading! If you see many beetles that look like ladybugs inside your house, they are most likely Asian lady beetles.

These natural remedies will help you keep them away.

If you have any other tips, share them in the comments below. If you’re looking for more ways to keep your home pest-free, check out our other pest control blog posts.

Picture via Flickr