Ladybug Invasion: Coping with Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetle

calls this time of year about how to get rid of those pesky ladybugs from houses and other structures. The ladybugs in question are of one species, Harmonia axyridis, officially known as multi-colored Asian lady beetle (ALB). In its native Asia, ALB dwells in trees and crop fields and feeds on soft-bodied insects such as aphids, scales, and psyllids. This exotic predator was introduced into the U.S. from Japan during the 1960’s through 1990’s by the USDA in an attempt to provide control of various agricultural pests. Reportedly, ALB has done a great job controlling serious pests such as pecan aphids, leading to significant reductions in insecticide use in orchards. In fact, during spring and summer individual lady beetles are abl