They look like ladybugs. They’re not. The multicolored Asian lady beetle is an invasive species that bites, stains, and smells — and in fall, they show up in Clive homes by the hundreds. Once they find a good overwintering spot in your walls or attic, they come back to the same location year after year. Getting ahead of the problem with exterior treatment before they enter is the most effective approach.

Signs of an Asian Lady Beetle Problem

  • Large clusters on exterior walls in fall — usually south- or west-facing, especially in sunny weather in October and November
  • Indoor invasions in fall and spring — appearing at windows and light fixtures as they try to enter or exit
  • Yellow staining — the foul-smelling fluid they release can stain walls, drapes, and upholstery
  • Biting — unlike native ladybugs, Asian lady beetles will bite when handled
  • Aggregations in wall voids and attics — discovered during renovations or when the smell is noticeable in fall

Why Asian Lady Beetles Are Common in Clive

Asian lady beetles were intentionally introduced in North America decades ago to control agricultural pests — aphids on crops and in orchards. The plan worked, sort of. They spread everywhere, adapted extremely well to Midwest conditions, and by fall they’re looking for warm overwintering sites. Homes in Clive and across the Des Moines metro provide exactly that.

They’re particularly drawn to light-colored homes and buildings with lots of southern or western exposure. They navigate by following sunlight and warmth, and a well-insulated home radiating heat on a cool October afternoon is an attractive target. Older homes with more gaps in the building envelope tend to get larger invasions.

The population in Iowa has been established for years and isn’t going anywhere. Expect them every fall.

Our Asian Lady Beetle Control Process

Miller Pest Solutions recommends exterior perimeter treatment in late September to early October — before the main invasion. We apply residual insecticide to exterior walls, around window frames, eaves, soffits, and any entry point in the building envelope. When timed right, this creates a barrier that significantly reduces the number that make it inside.

We also evaluate exclusion opportunities — soffits, attic vents, window frames, and gaps around utilities — and recommend sealing that will help year over year, not just for beetles.

If they’re already inside in large numbers, interior treatment and vacuuming (not crushing) are part of the solution. We’ll assess what’s practical based on what you’re dealing with.

Why Choose Miller Pest Solutions

Miller Pest Solutions has operated since 2001. QualityPro Certified, NPMA member. Joel Miller has been personally working in pest control since 2007. We deal with Iowa’s fall invader season every year and know which treatments hold and which ones don’t.

We won’t oversell you on something that won’t work for your situation. If the timing has passed and exterior treatment won’t be effective this season, we’ll tell you that too — along with what to do differently next fall.

Get a Free Phone Bid Today

Asian lady beetles taking over your Clive home? Call Miller Pest Solutions at (515) 329-8801 for a free phone bid. We’ll walk through your options and pricing right on the call. Visit millerthekiller.com to learn more.