13 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles

It’s that time of year again when Asian lady beetles invade homes in search of a warmer place to overwinter.

While they are not usually dangerous, they can release an unpleasant odor when disturbed. So what can you do to get rid of them?

In this post, we will highlight a few natural remedies you can try, but you must be consistent with them. Some of these remedies might take some time to work, but eventually, you should notice fewer beetles around your home.

So, if you’re dealing with Asian lady beetles, read on for some natural ways to manage them.

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 are also called Asian ladybugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, and sometimes Japanese ladybugs.

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

These beetles can also damage certain crops when they gather in large numbers. People often mistake them for native ladybugs because they look very similar.

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 controlling them 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 many Asian lady beetles, it might take a while.

2. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have a strong fragrance that may help discourage some insects, including Asian lady beetles.

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

3. Mums

Some gardeners believe chrysanthemums may help discourage certain insects because they contain natural compounds called pyrethrins. For this reason, some people plant them near entry points such as doors and windows.

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.

DE works best when kept dry. After applying it, avoid getting the area wet to keep it effective.

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 can help reduce Asian lady beetle populations indoors 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 small light near the trap to attract the beetles into the bottle. The beetles will be attracted to the light and remain trapped inside the bottle once they enter.

7. Sticky Traps

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

Therefore, use sticky traps around window sills and other areas where beetles like to gather.

8. Cloves

You might not think cloves can repel insects, but they may help discourage some pests, including Asian lady beetles.

Place whole cloves in a bowl and put them where there is an Asian beetle infestation. The scent may help discourage the beetles from staying in the area.

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

9. Essential Oils

Some people use oils such as peppermint, citronella, citrus, or wintergreen to help discourage beetles indoors.

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

Shake the bottle well to thoroughly mix all the ingredients.

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

10. Natural Predators

Some birds, frogs, spiders, and predatory insects may feed on Asian lady beetles. However, natural predators alone usually will not eliminate an infestation.

Certain wasp species also prey on ladybird larvae [2].

While this method may help reduce populations outdoors over time, it usually will not provide immediate results.

11. Vinegar

Vinegar may help kill some beetles on direct contact and can also help clean surfaces where they gather. To use it, pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the beetles.

Also, mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water, then spray the solution onto the affected areas. This mixture may help remove scent trails and the residue they leave behind.

12. Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that kills pests such as Japanese beetles and other insects on plants. It may also help control Asian lady beetles outdoors when sprayed directly on them.

To make a homemade Asian lady beetle spray, mix 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of neem oil and ½ teaspoon of mild liquid soap in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine.

Spray the mixture around doors, windows, siding, and other areas where the beetles gather. Reapply every few days or after it rains.

13. BugZooka

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

To use it, turn it on and aim the nozzle at the Asian lady beetles. 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.

Using a combination of these natural methods can help reduce Asian lady beetle problems in and around your home.

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.

Photo by Judy Gallagher via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0.