Several years ago someone introduced what they are calling "Asian
Ladybugs" to this area. They are similar in size to the typical
ladybug, but mostly orange or yellow colored rather than red.
While most people look with favor on the Ladybug, these beetles
have become numerous and obnoxious. They cluster this time of
year, and enter houses in droves. Handled, they emit a foul odor.
I noticed a couple hanging around the bee hive, but have not seen
any inside.
While normally feeding on aphids, they have been working on fruit
this year. They were working on my pears, with maybe twenty or so
eating a cavity into the fruit. The State Extension requested
reports of such activity, which I did.
The question: How widespread is this beetle? Any notices of them
eating fruit in your area, or entering hives?

Leland Hubbell
Central Ohio

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