When temperatures drop, it’s important to keep a close eye on your Brittany’s oral health. Invasive Asian lady beetles, often mistaken for harmless ladybugs, can pose a unique threat to our furry friends. These beetles, which look similar to ladybugs but may have more spots or a different color, secrete a sticky substance that can cause them to adhere to the roof of a dog’s mouth.
Asian lady beetles in Texas
Asian lady beetles are found throughout the United States, including Texas. Asian lady beetles are found year around. They frequently invade Texas cities and often enter homes and buildings, in the fall and winter. They may be found in large numbers on siding, around door and window frames, and in warm areas.
Why are Asian lady beetles a problem for dogs?
Sticky Situation: The beetles’ sticky secretion can make it difficult for dogs to remove them from their mouths.
Potential Discomfort: The trapped beetles can cause irritation, leading to excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, or reluctance to eat.
How to Check Your Brittany’s Mouth
Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the roof of your dog’s mouth, particularly during colder months when these pests seek warmer environments.
What to Do if You Find Asian Lady Beetles
Gentle Removal: Use your fingers or a clean cloth to carefully remove the beetles.
Monitor for Discomfort: Watch for signs of irritation and consult your veterinarian if your dog shows significant distress, or there are so many you cannot safely remove them yourself.
Consult your vet: If your dog shows significant discomfort or has a large number of these bugs stuck in their mouth, contact your veterinarian.
Preventing and Managing Asian Lady Beetle Infestations
Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations to prevent beetles from entering your home.
Install Screens: Use screens on vents and windows to deter beetles.
Vacuuming: Vacuum up any beetles you find indoors. Dispose of the vacuum bag or canister outdoors.
Avoid Crushing: Crushing these beetles can release a foul-smelling yellow substance that can stain surfaces.
While Asian lady beetles can be beneficial for controlling pests in gardens, they can become a nuisance when they invade homes. By taking preventive measures and knowing how to handle infestations, you can protect your Brittany from these pesky critters.
Where they came from
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced Asian lady beetles from Asia in the 1960s and 1990s to help reduce agricultural pests. The large number of Asian lady beetles in the country today is likely due to accidental transport by ships from Asia.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Asian lady beetles are a beneficial insect to have around the house, but they can become a nuisance when they swarm inside. Here’s some more information about Asian lady beetles:
Appearance: Asian lady beetles are similar to ladybugs, but they may or may not have black spots on their wing covers. They also have a marking behind their head that looks like an M. You might see Asian lady beetles that are red, orange, or even tan. Spot the spots: Ladybugs always have black spots on their wing covers, also called cerci. Asian lady beetles may or may not have black spots on their wing covers. No spots means that you have an Asian lady beetle in your garden.
Behavior: In the winter, Asian lady beetles seek out warm, dry places to shelter, such as homes. They can emit an unpleasant odor and a yellowish staining fluid when disturbed.
photo credit: Kelly Rashaw, Instagram
