The Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, was introduced to help control aphid and scale populations in orchards and field crops. The good news is it worked. This insect is a major predator of the Asian Soybean Aphid and other pests. The bad news is with its high numbers and habit of amassing on homes in the fall, this insect has become a major nuisance for homeowners.
Another concern about the Asian lady beetle is the competition with and displacement of native lady beetles. Research into native ladybugs, their populations and habitats is ongoing.
