Asian Lady Beetle Life Cycle in the U.S.

In the United States, the lifecycle of the Asian Lady Beetle commences in the spring (between April and May), when adults emerge from their overwintering locations. They typically mate and lay eggs within a few weeks, the precise timing dependent upon the local climate and food availability.

Egg Stage

• The female Asian Lady Beetle lays clusters of fifteen to thirty yellowish, oval-shaped eggs, which hatch into larvae within three to seven days.

Larval Stage

• Larvae are voracious predators and immediately start feeding upon hatching. This stage lasts approximately two weeks, after which the larvae pupate.

Pupal Stage

• The beetle’s pupal stage, where they transform into an adult, lasts around seven to ten days.

Adult Stage

• After emerging from the pupal stage, the adults continue to feed and breed throughout the summer. As temperatures drop in fall, adults seek out sheltered areas to overwinter, often congregating in large groups. This cycle then repeats in the next spring.

In warmer regions of the U.S., multiple generations of the Asian Lady Beetle can occur within a single year. While beneficial as a natural pest controller, Asian Lady Beetles can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals when present indoors during overwintering.

Engage in a balanced, nutrient rich diet

A diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help reduce inflammation caused by allergies. Fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are excellent sources of Omega-3 along with flaxseeds and walnuts.

• Fruits and Vegetables: These foods are high in antioxidants and can help improve immune function, which can help control allergic reactions.
• Spices such as ginger and turmeric: Both these ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties which can help alleviate the symptoms of Asian Lady Beetle allergy.

Increase Bioflavonoids Intake

Bioflavonoids, most notably quercetin, can help decrease inflammatory response. Foods rich in quercetin include apples, berries, grapes, onions and green or black tea.

• Probiotic-Rich Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, contain probiotics which can aid in the regulation of the immune system, helping alleviate allergy symptoms.

Include Vitamin C rich foods in your diet

Vitamin C is an immune system booster and antihistamine and can help decrease allergic reactions. Foods rich in vitamin C include fruits like oranges, lemons, strawberries, and vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.

While a balanced, nutrient-rich diet may not eliminate an Asian Lady Beetle allergy, it can help mitigate and manage the severity of symptoms.