The Truth About Orange Ladybugs: Friend or Foe?

Ladybugs are a familiar sight in backyards and gardens across North America. With their bright red shells and black spots, these beetles are often considered lucky and beneficial to have around. However, in recent decades a new kind of ladybug has emerged – the orange ladybug.

Unlike their red counterparts, orange ladybugs are shrouded in mystery and misinformation. Are they helpful predators or pesky invaders? Should you welcome them into your garden or banish them from your home? To get to the bottom of the orange ladybug debate, we need to separate fact from fiction.

What Are Orange Ladybugs?

There are over 450 species of ladybugs in North America. Most native ladybugs have the iconic red and black coloration. However, several species can range from yellow to orange. The most common orange ladybugs seen today are:

• Asian Lady Beetle – Native to Asia. Varies from tan to bright orange with black spots or none at all. Has an “M” shaped marking behind its head. Introduced to control pests.

• Seven-Spotted Lady Beetle – Native species. Mainly red but can be orange with 7 black spots. Eats aphids in gardens

• Convergent Lady Beetle – Native predatory bug. Orange when mating. Consumes pests as soon as it’s born.

• California Lady Beetle – Found along the California coast. Orange head and thorax with black spots.

• Squash Lady Beetle – Has orange body with black spots and orange head. Damages squash, melons and other crops.

The Asian Lady Beetle is considered the most common orange ladybug across the country It was intentionally brought to the US. in the 1960s as a form of pest control but has now spread nationwide.

The Good: Benefits of Orange Ladybugs

Like their red cousins, many orange ladybugs are aggressive predators that feast on plant pests. Some of the benefits they provide:

• Pest Control – Orange ladybugs consume huge numbers of aphids, mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. This protects gardens and crops.

• Pollination – Some orange ladybugs feed on pollen and nectar, helping to pollinate flowers and produce fruits/vegetables.

• Bio Control – Certain orange ladybugs like the Convergent Lady Beetle have been intentionally introduced for natural pest management of corn, potatoes and other crops.

• Few Pesticides – The presence of orange ladybugs reduces the need for chemical pesticides. Their big appetites provide free bug control.

• Good Luck – In some cultures, orange ladybugs are considered lucky charms and symbols of vitality, fertility and health. Killing them is avoided.

The Bad: Risks of Orange Ladybugs

However, orange ladybugs do have some drawbacks that brand them as unwelcome invaders:

• Home Infestations – Orange ladybugs swarm into homes through cracks and openings seeking shelter. This makes them a nuisance.

• Biting and Pinching – Though rare, orange ladybugs are more likely to bite or pinch skin than red ones when threatened. Their bite feels like a pinprick.

• Stains and Odor – When disturbed, orange ladybugs secrete a foul-smelling yellow fluid that stains walls, furniture and clothing.

• Crop Damage – Some orange ladybugs like the Mexican Bean Beetle damage fruits, vegetables and crop plants by feeding on leaves, stems and pods.

• Allergies – The fluids and debris of dead orange ladybugs can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals if there is prolonged exposure. Asthma is a concern.

• Pet Poisoning – Dogs or cats that eat large numbers of orange ladybugs are at risk for chemical burns, vomiting, and even death from toxins.

Controlling and Removing Orange Ladybugs

If orange ladybugs become a nuisance, there are several effective and safe ways to reduce their numbers:

• Seal entry points – Caulk cracks and install screens on windows/doors to keep them from invading your home.

• Use vacuums – For indoor infestations, suck up the beetles with a vacuum then release them outdoors. Avoid insecticide sprays.

• Try sticky traps – Traps lured with pheromones can capture orange ladybugs and prevent breeding. Check traps frequently.

• Remove food sources – Eliminate aphid/pest infestations in your garden that attract hungry ladybugs.

• Apply diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle this abrasive, natural powder in entryways. It damages their exoskeletons.

• Use essential oils – Repel orange ladybugs by spraying deterrents like peppermint, eucalyptus or tea tree oils on infested plants.

• Call a pest control pro – For severe infestations, contact a technician. They can apply stronger commercial insecticides if needed.

With persistence and an integrated pest management approach, orange ladybugs can be controlled without harming beneficial garden insects. Be patient, and avoid using toxic chemicals whenever possible.

The Verdict: Are Orange Ladybugs Helpful or Harmful?

After separating fact from fiction, the consensus among entomologists seems to be:

Orange ladybugs are mostly helpful predators, but in certain situations can become annoying invaders.

In the garden, their big appetites make short work of plant pests like aphids. This earns them a welcome spot among most plants. However, mass swarms of orange ladybugs taking up residence inside your home cross the line from helpful to harmful.

To enjoy their pest-control benefits while minimizing negatives, tolerance and smart management are key:

• Let orange ladybugs thrive in your garden to naturally reduce pests.

• Use barriers and traps to keep them from invading indoor living spaces.

• Vacuum or collect indoor oranges ladybugs and release them back outside.

• If they persist, consult a pest control expert for removal guidance. Start with the least toxic options.

So be grateful for the free pest control services of orange ladybugs in the yard, but don’t hesitate to evict them if they become a nuisance in your home. With the right balance, you can harness their advantages while protecting your family from large infestations.