What You Should Know About Asian Lady Beetles This Fall
What You Should Know About Asian Lady Beetles This Fall
As temperatures drop and fall settles in here in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas, you may start to notice clusters of orange and red spotted beetles gathering around windows, doors, and the sunny sides of homes. These are Asian lady beetles, and fall is their peak swarming season.
From September through November, they actively seek warm, protected places to overwinter. Sunny days after cooler weather are their favorite — which is why they gather on south and west facing walls that hold more warmth from the sun.
Are Asian Lady Beetles Harmful?
To humans — not usually.
They can bite, but it feels more like a small pinch. Some people may experience mild irritation or a short-lived reaction, but they are not venomous and do not pose serious health risks.
However, they are considered a nuisance because:
- they can enter homes in very large numbers
- they release a yellow staining and foul-smelling fluid when disturbed
- they can leave marks on walls, furniture, curtains, etc.
For pets, the risk is greater. If consumed, Asian lady beetles can irritate the mouth and digestive system of dogs and cats due to the mild toxins in their hemolymph (their internal fluid).
Are They Beneficial?
This pest is complicated — and often misunderstood.
Asian lady beetles are considered invasive because they compete with our native American ladybugs. But at the same time, they are also beneficial outdoors because they eat aphids and other destructive garden pests.
How Did Asian Lady Beetles Get Here?
They weren’t originally native to North America. Releases began as early as 1916 for biological pest control, and they eventually became fully established around 1988 — with cargo ships arriving through New Orleans contributing to the population spread.
Cultural Beliefs vs. Reality
Ladybugs are often seen as symbols of luck, protection, love, and prosperity in many cultures. That includes Asian lady beetles — although their behavior tends to complicate that belief once they start swarming homes every fall.
Preventing Fall Pest Intruders
Asian lady beetles are just one of several seasonal “fall invaders” that try to move indoors as cooler weather arrives. Boxelder bugs, stink bugs, cluster flies and other pests all look for the same warm shelter this time of year in Tennessee.
Sealing cracks, repairing damaged screens, caulking around windows, and closing up gaps around utility entry points can go a long way in preventing them from coming inside.
Professional Fall Pest Protection in Chattanooga
If you’re noticing beetles gathering around your home or finding them indoors already, GPM Pest Control can help protect your home from fall pests as the weather changes.
Our seasonal pest programs are designed to block out nuisance invaders before they get comfortable inside your home.
Serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas —
schedule your fall pest control service today with GPM Pest Control today.




