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Why Are Orange Lady Beetles Swarming My Wichita Home?
You open the door on a sunny October afternoon. The siding is covered in little orange beetles. Some are on the windows. A few are already inside.
Don't panic. These are almost always Asian lady beetles, and they are mostly a nuisance. Here is what is going on in Wichita, Derby, and Andover.
What are these orange beetles on my house?
They are multicolored Asian lady beetles. K-State describes them as bright orange with spots and a dark, inverted W-shaped marking behind the head.
They look a lot like the lady beetles you see in the garden. But these are the ones that love to crowd onto homes.
Why do they gather on one side of my house?
K-State says they often gather on the south and west sides of buildings. Those sides get the most sun and stay warm.
Think of a crowd at a ball game heading for the warm side of the stadium on a chilly night. Your siding is that warm side.
Why do they come inside in the fall?
Two things happen. The aphids they eat disappear, and the days get shorter. So the beetles look for a place to spend winter.
K-State lists these beetles among the insects that can overwinter in Kansas homes. Homes, sheds, and garages are favorites, and they slip in through small cracks.
Do Asian lady beetles bite?
They can. K-State notes they have chewing mouthparts and may nip people or pets. It is not common, and it is not a big deal for most people.
K-State also says they do not carry diseases and calls them "just a nuisance."
Are they good or bad?
Both. Outdoors, they eat aphids in crops like alfalfa, soybeans, and sorghum. Indoors, they are just in the way.
What can I do about them right now?
Caulk cracks and gaps around windows, doors, siding, and vents.
Make sure window and door screens fit tightly.
Vacuum up beetles that get inside.
If any are still alive in the vacuum, release them outside.
Check the south and west sides of your home first. That is where they gather.
Sealing is the big one. Every gap you close is one less door for them.
Common questions about lady beetles
Will lady beetles damage my home?
No. They do not eat wood or fabric. They hide in cracks and wait for spring.
Why do I see them in the middle of winter?
Some wake up on warm winter days and wander into living spaces. It is normal.
Are they dangerous to pets?
They are not known to carry disease. K-State even notes some dogs like to eat them. If your pet seems sick, call your vet.
Can Bug Shockers help with lady beetles in Wichita?
Text us a photo. We will confirm what you have and talk through your options. We serve Wichita, Derby, Andover, Rose Hill, Augusta, and El Dorado. No contracts.
Fall invaders do not stop at lady beetles. See our guide to fall invaders in Wichita and why box elder bugs cover Wichita homes.
Want the full story from the experts? K-State Research and Extension has a helpful page on Asian lady beetles.
Not sure what you are seeing?
Send us a clear photo. We can usually tell what the bug is right away.
The next step would just be getting you on the schedule. Call or text Bug Shockers at (316) 775-7867. Local, family-owned, and honest.
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