EXCELSIOR SPRING, Mo. (November 9, 2025) – As the weather shifts, many residents are starting to see swarms of orange beetles, similar to ladybugs, around windowpanes and doorways, known as Asian Lady Beetles.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), these beetles, similar to their cousins, traditional ladybugs, are effective at eating crop pests such as aphids, larvae, and mites. However, while beneficial outdoors, they often make their way inside homes to stay warm. Fortunately, they pose little to no risk to people.
Erin Woodiel, a media specialist with MDC, explained that the Asian lady beetles were purposefully introduced during the 1960s in southern states to help ward off crop pests. The beetles can help protect crops such as pecan, apple, citrus, alfalfa, corn, cotton, tobacco, wheat, and soybeans. But, with no natural predators, they quickly began to spread throughout other regions and reached Missouri by the 1990s.
“The unfortunate side effect,” she said, “is that they tend to swarm into homes in late summer and fall, as they look for warm places to stay.”
As temperatures began to drop in Excelsior Springs over the past few weeks, these pesky beetles have been witnessed buzzing into homes. Woodiel noted that another unpleasant trait is that the beetles can emit a foul odor and secrete a yellow fluid if disturbed. On occasion, it has been found that these orange aphid eaters can bite as another form of self-defense. While unpleasant, they do not inject venom or spread disease to people.
However, they can sometimes trigger allergies or asthma in sensitive individuals. They can also pose a risk to K9 companions if ingested in large quantities, causing stomach upsets, chemical burns, vomiting, and diarrhea. If this occurs, pet owners are advised to monitor their animals for symptoms and seek proper veterinary care if they are affected.
While outside, these beetles tend to congregate in areas of contrasting light, such as dark shutters on light-colored homes. As for inside, Woodiel mentioned they become attracted to sunny spots around windows and lights.
To keep the beetles out, Woodiel suggested that homeowners should seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility pipes. If they do make it indoors, it may be best to use a vacuum to suck them up from window panes, ceilings, and baseboard areas. She said any direct contact, such as using a broom or dustpan, may cause them to release their odor or yellow secretion.
The MDC reminds residents that Asian lady beetles are simply seeking warmth, not trouble, and play an important role in controlling agricultural pests.
With freezing temperatures finally reaching the area, homeowners should start to see some relief. But just in case, it may be wise to keep a vacuum and caulk gun handy.
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