Stains on walls and fabrics, unpleasant smell, respiratory allergies, aggressive, they sometimes nibble on the skin, massive presence not sanitary but very disturbing.
Nova Extermination treats the Asian ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) on the South Shore of Montreal, with a protocol adapted to the biological cycle of the species and a guarantee adapted to the case. License RBQ 5734 75930 01.
How to recognize the Asian ladybug
Correctly identifying the pest is the first step in a long-lasting treatment. Incorrect identification, for example confusing German cockroach and oriental cockroach or confusing native ladybug and Asian ladybug, leads to inappropriate treatment and recurrence within a few weeks. If you are hesitating, compare with our file on spider extermination or send us a photo by text to 514 666 6682.
Quick Identification Sheet
| Appearance | 5 to 8 mm, highly variable colour (yellow, orange, red with or without blackspots), often confused with the native ladybug |
| Preferred habitat | invades homes in large numbers in the fall to overwinter (window frames, soffits, attics), re-emerges in the spring, releases a smelly yellowish liquid if disturbed |
| Life cycle | one generation per year in Quebec, wintering in colonies of hundreds to thousands of individuals |
| Typical damage | , stains on walls and fabrics, unpleasant smell, respiratory allergies, aggressive, they sometimes nibble on the skin, massive presence, not sanitary but very disturbing |
Store a dead specimen in a closed plastic bag if possible. Our technician confirms the species at the beginning of the visit, which determines the protocol and duration of the treatment.
Signs of an active infestation
- Presence of live individuals during the day (usually a sign of an established infestation)
- Moulting, exuviae or corpses found in the nooks and crannies
- Eggs or egg capsules (for cockroaches, mealworms)
- Persistent characteristic smell (cockroaches, bedbugs)
- Traces of droppings on storage areas
- For biters (mosquitoes, bedbugs): recent skin marks on occupants
The earlier the diagnosis, the less treatment costs. An infestation detected in 5 individuals can be treated in 1 visit. With 50 individuals, count 2 to 3 visits.
Life cycle and spread
One generation per year in Quebec, wintering in colonies of hundreds to thousands of individuals.
Understanding this cycle is essential: a treatment that covers only adults (e.g. a surface sprayer) leaves the eggs intact. Two weeks later, the infestation resumed. Our protocol covers THE entire incubation period, which explains the follow-up visit provided for in the package.
Our treatment method
Residual treatment of the south-west facades before the autumn invasion, caulking of the entry points, suction of existing piles, never crushing (releases aggregation pheromone).
Total duration: exterior façade treatment 1 hour to 2 hours, ideally in September before the first frosts.
Why we avoid aggressive spraying
A wide spray may seem effective, but it disperses the colony to other areas (repulsion effect) and complicates the final treatment. Our approach: targeted bait in gel or in stations, residual treatment only where necessary, and zero product on food preparation or coating surfaces.
Underwriting and Inspection
Here are the service variants we offer for this need:
- Preventive exterior façade treatment (autumn)
- Aspiration and Interior Treatment After Invasion
What influences the quote
- Surface or volume to be treated
- Extent of the infestation or situation
- Accessibility of the areas concerned
- Response time requested (planned or emergency)
- Scope of the desired warranty
- Documentation required for insurer, notary or audit
The inspection is non-binding. We evaluate on site (or by phone as the case may be) and give you a written estimate adapted to your building before any work begins. No unpleasant surprises at the end.
What you can do before our tour
- Do not use any aerosol products in infested areas: this disperses insects and distorts our diagnosis
- Do not move furniture or appliances (technicians want to see them in their normal position)
- Store a dead specimen in a closed plastic bag to confirm the species
- Note where and when you observe insects (useful for targeting treatment)
- For bed bugs specifically : do not throw away the mattress before we come, this complicates the quote and can spread the infestation
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buy consumer products : they kill a few visible adults but are rarely effective over the entire cycle
- Multiplying home treatments : creates resistance in certain populations, complicates our protocols afterwards
- Wait for it to pass : the population doubles every 28 days for most species, the cost of treatment too
- Do not report to neighbours (in condominiums or triplexes): the infestation returns if neighbouring units are not treated
Questions
Why are there so many ladybugs in my house in the fall?
The Asian species seeks an overwintering site in the fall (usually October). The south-west facades, heated by the sun, attract clusters of up to several thousand individuals.
Should they be killed one by one?
Absolutely not. When crushed, they release an aggregation pheromone that attracts other individuals to the same place. Vacuum them (disposable bag, take out immediately) or let us do it.
Does preventive treatment really work?
Yes, applied between the end of August and the end of September on exposed facades. Average reduction of 80 to 90 percent of winter piles according to our monitoring.
Does Asian ladybug bite?
It can chew on the skin, which is not dangerous but unpleasant. It can also release a smelly yellowish liquid if disturbed, which stains walls and fabrics.
How long before the Asian ladybug is totally eliminated?
Allow 2 to 6 weeks depending on the species’ cycle. A visible reduction appears from the first week. Complete elimination occurs after all the eggs present have hatched and the second wave has been treated.
What exactly does the written warranty cover?
Recurrence of the same species in the treated area during the indicated period (typically 60 to 90 days for the Asian lady beetle). If the infestation returns, we schedule a follow-up according to the conditions of your warranty.
Contact Nova Extermination
Inspection within 24 hours, quick intervention. Intervention the next day. Coverage assessed on a case-by-case basis, depending on the condition of the building. Call 514 666 6682 or fill out the contact form for Asian ladybug treatment.
Nova Extermination, RBQ license 5734 75930 01. Service 7 days a week, including public holidays. Health Canada Licensed Products.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ladybugs
Why do Asian ladybugs invade my house in the fall?
As the cold weather approaches, Asian ladybugs look for a sheltered place to overwinter and gather in large numbers on sunny facades, then infiltrate through cracks around windows and soffits. They are attracted to light, warm surfaces, often the south or west side of the house. In Montérégie, Beloeil and Saint-Hyacinthe, this phenomenon is common during mild fall days.
How to distinguish the Asian ladybug from our native ladybug?
The Asian ladybug is a bit larger and often has an M- or W-shaped mark on the white area behind the head; Its color varies from orange to red with a variable number of dots. Unlike the native, it aggregates massively in homes and can nibble lightly. It also has an odour and can leave a yellowish stain when disturbed.
Do Asian ladybugs cause harm or annoyance?
They do not damage the structure or reproduce indoors, but their presence in large numbers is a nuisance, and their secretion can stain surfaces and give off an odour. Some people may also develop allergic reactions. The main issue remains the massive seasonal invasion rather than a structural hazard.
How to prevent and treat the invasion of Asian ladybugs?
Prevention involves sealing cracks, installing screens in good condition and sealing entry points around windows and soffits before fall. Our technician can apply an approved perimeter treatment to the facades to reduce crowding during peaks of activity. For those already entered, the vacuum cleaner remains the easiest way to remove them without crushing them.
How much does a treatment for Asian ladybugs cost?
The price is established on the basis of an evaluation, depending on the surface area of the facades to be treated and the extent of the invasion. As the exposure and the configuration of the house influence the number of visitors, an evaluation is necessary before setting a price. The amount is communicated to you before the intervention, our services being paid.
Does a treatment completely prevent ladybugs from entering?
We aim for long-lasting results that are evaluated on a case-by-case basis: perimeter treatment and sealing significantly reduce intrusions, but the natural appeal of sunny facades in autumn cannot be completely eliminated. Combining the treatment with the waterproofing of the building gives the best results. Our technician will advise you on which entry points should be corrected as a priority.