Your Maine Home Could Have Some Issues if You See These Fall Pests

In the fall, something is always trying to get in your house.

Sadly, it's usually at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it's extended family from away that, according to your parents, you're not allowed to turn away. But while it's true that Aunt Ethel and Uncle Merle are probably the most annoying annual visitors you'll face, there's another we see every fall, and it might mean your house needs work.

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While I may not be talking about the typical fall rodents that try to find their way in, like mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks... which are always a huge pain in the butt. Seeing Asian Lady Beetles should cause almost nearly as much alarm. Especially if you've never seen any of those other things trying to get in your house.

What do Asian Lady Beetles look like?

Here's the rub... they look almost identical to ladybugs, which are far less invasive. Ladybugs don't really like to congregate in huge numbers. so while you'll see them get in, they're not a big problem. Asian lady beetles, which are more of an orange-y pale in color, versus ladybugs which are red.

Also a quick way to tell them apart is the "M" on lady beetles. They have a very distinct marking on their heads. Also, ladybugs are much more round, and lady beetles are more oval-shaped. But worst of all, lady beetles will literally make a stink when threatened. So on top of everything else, they basically fart at you. Well, bleed actually. They kind of bleed out their legs and it smells awful. (insert puke emoji here)

Why are they so bad?

Well, for them to get in your house, they need to find a way in. Unlike house flies, which pretty much live in your house year round, these little bugs enjoy the outdoor weather all summer. Come fall, like every other critter, they start looking for a warm place to hang out during the cold months. Sadly, pretty much the only way to keep them out is to find where they're getting in, and seal it up. Good luck!

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Because they need to find a way in your house, their very presence indicates that there are areas of your home that may not be buttoned up properly. Considering a mouse only needs a quarter inch hole to get in your home, if you're seeing lady beetles indoors, other less savory animals may also be finding spots where they can get in. So if you do end up seeing them, start looking around...