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These bugs are no ladies

Step outside on a warm fall afternoon and you may find yourself swatting lady bugs and ducking dive-bombing box elder bugs.

Box elder bugs aren't a rarity in Kansas — we see them every fall and the hardy insect can still be found crawling on windows during the dead of winter.

Lady bugs, on the other hand, always have been considered a "good" bug, and in some cultures, a harbinger of good luck.

The misconception lies in the name. Lady bugs are the "good" bugs. What we're seeing in swarms on the sides of buildings are Asian lady beetles.

Lady bugs and Asian lady beetles are similar in appearance but the beetles are a deeper orange with black spots.

These beetles tend to cluster together and are attracted to light-colored buildings, especially those in direct sunlight.

The pesky insect emits a chemical signal that attracts its friends and before you know it you have thousands of beetles hiding in nooks and crannies, invading your home, flying around lights, and crawling on furnishings.

When disturbed, Asian lady beetles emit a yellow-orange liquid that produces an odor and can stain walls and home furnishings. More beetles mean a more intense smell.

The insect can pinch when they land on bare skin but do not carry diseases or feed on people or clothing.

Controlling the insects is difficult. Caulking cracks and plugging openings will help but probably not eliminate them from getting inside. Once inside they can be removed with a vacuum cleaner. Be sure to remove and seal the bag or the still-living beetles may escape.

How long will these pesky beetles be around? As long as the weather remains warm and sunny, probably through October, we'll continue to shoo them away, brush them off clothing, and sweep them up.

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