When Asian Beetles Bite (Yes, They Can Bite)

It might be surprising to learn that Asian lady beetles do sometimes bite people and animals. They are definitely more prone to bite if they are provoked, but very occasionally will just land on a person, bite them, and fly away for no apparent reason.

Thankfully it’s not that common, and not a big deal if you are one of the unlucky ones who is bitten. Unlike some other insects like mosquitoes, Asian beetles do not inject enzymes or venom into the skin when they bite. Usually, it only causes minor skin irritation and heals just like other insect bites after only a couple days.

Treating a bite

A minority of people are allergic to their bites which may cause the wound to swell up and become quite troublesome. If this happens you should clean the bite and treat it with antiseptic and anti-inflammation cream. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone works quite well to reduce swelling. Resist the urge to scratch it because that will break the skin and quite possibly lead to infection.

Why you should never squash an Asian beetle

When provoked and especially one squashed, Asian beetles have a defense mechanism that releases a yellow colored slime through the creases in its exoskeleton. The liquid smells like rotting leaves and deposits a yellowish stain that is difficult to remove.

This defense mechanism is a primary reason why the Asian lady beetle is so unpopular. Never squash them, especially if one lands on your skin. Squashing it will make it more likely to bite and it will almost certainly slime you. Your skin is actually more likely to be irritated by the liquid than it is by being bitten.

If one lands on your skin it is best to just gently brush it off your hand. Don’t try to pick it up or physically handle it like you would a ladybug.

If the beetles are inside your home, use a vacuum cleaner to collect them. A neat trick to use is to put the end of a nylon stocking inside the vacuum hose and secure it with tape or a rubber band. In this way you can collect and “bag” the insects before they get inside the vacuum bag.

How to identify an Asian beetle

Don’t be fooled by the innocuous looks of the Asian beetle. Many if not most people confuse them with the ladybug which is more prevalent in the United States because it is native to America. They look very similar but are easy to differentiate if you know the classic differences between ladybugs and Asian beetles. Follow that link to get the full rundown.

In brief though, ladybugs are more docile and less likely to swarm. You are also much less likely to be bitten by them than their Asian cousins.