Ladybirds are normally regarded as beneficial insects. However, the introduced harlequin ladybird is regarded as a pest, because they will bite humans and they may come indoors and emit a foul odour and cause stains. There is also concern that it may impact indigenous species of ladybirds, because its voracious appetite enables it to out-compete them and it even eats other species of ladybirds.
Identify the problem
Adult harlequin ladybirds may be red or orange with zero to 21 black spots. You will find more detailed information on identifying harlequin ladybirds and distinguishing them from beneficial native ladybird species here.
Solutions
- NO Bugs Super Bug Bombs and NO Bugs Super can be used in and around your house to protect from Harlequin ladybirds finding their way indoors.
- In the garden PLANThealth Spectrum and Organic Insect Control can be used to control Harlequins on ornamentals and fruit and vegetable plants respectively, but we recommend using them in a targeted fashion to reduce harm to beneficial ladybirds.
Did You Know
The harlequin ladybirds is also know as Multicoloured Asian ladybird, Asian ladybeetle,Multivariate ladybird, Southern ladybird, Japanese ladybird, Pumpkin ladybird and Halloween lady beetle. Its Latin name is Harmonia axyridis.
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