When temperatures start to dip, it’s not unusual to notice a sudden uptick in bugs indoors. Ants, spiders, and stink bugs tend to get most of the attention for seeking warmth, but ladybugs—or what many people think are ladybugs—are frequent cold-weather guests, too. They show up on windowsills, crawling along walls, or gathering near sunny spots in your home. While their bright red shells and black spots may seem harmless (or even lucky, depending on who you ask), that doesn’t necessarily mean you want them as your housemates for the foreseeable future.
In many cases, the insects you’re seeing aren’t actually ladybugs at all. Asian lady beetles look very similar to ladybugs but behave a bit differently. More so than actual ladybugs, they’re drawn indoors when cooler weather signals it’s time to find a safe place to spend the winter. Unfortunately, our warm, cozy homes are perfectly suited to the bill.
The good news? Neither ladybugs nor Asian lady beetles are dangerous to have around. The bad news is that once they get inside, they can be stubborn. Getting rid of them requires knowing why they’re there in the first place and how to remove them without causing harm. Ahead, a pest control expert explains the most effective way to remove them, and how to prevent them from returning year after year.
Jim McHale is a pest expert and the president of JP McHale Pest Management, LLC.
Why Ladybugs Show Up Indoors
According to pest management expert Jim McHale, ladybugs belong to a group of insects that entomologists call “overwintering insects.” Rather than staying active all winter long, these bugs seek out warm, protected spaces to ride out the cold months. “Depending on the region of our country—August 15 through September 15 in the Northeast—these critters enter homes to escape the lowering temperatures,” he explains.
Timing and location both matter. In colder regions (particularly in the Northeast), homeowners are more likely to notice ladybugs moving in late summer and early fall, but it’s not random where they enter. McHale says these insects are strongly attracted to warmth and sunlight, often leading them straight to specific areas of a home. “Overwintering insects typically enter on the sunny side of a structure,” he says. “They gravitate toward areas where large windows heat up on a sunny winter day.”
That’s why you’re most likely to find them near windows, sliding glass doors, or rooms that receive intense afternoon sun. Even tiny cracks, gaps in siding, or unsealed entry points around windows can be enough for them to sneak inside.
Are Ladybugs Harmful Inside the House?
Despite the annoyance factor, ladybugs are essentially harmless indoors. They don’t reproduce inside your home, and they’re not interested in feeding on your houseplants, pantry items, or furniture. “Ladybugs do not lay eggs or construct harborage sites inside a structure,” McHale says. “They simply spend the winter and will exit during spring temperatures.” However, their behavior can be confusing and inconvenient for some. “In some instances, on warm days during the wintertime, they may get confused and exit into the living area,” McHale explains.
Asian lady beetles can release a yellowish fluid when threatened or squashed.1 Not only does it cause an odor, but it may also stain nearby walls or fabrics. While they don’t bite often, they can nip if handled, which is another reason many homeowners prefer to remove them rather than let them roam.
