Lady Bugs?
It's an Asian lady beetle which looks like the old-fashioned ladybug, but they're different and a PITAThe Difference Between Good and Bad Ladybugs
At a quick glance,
this ladybug species can be difficult to distinguish from its beneficial cousins, partly because its color can vary from light tan or orange to bright red. But a more thorough inspection gives away its differences: primarily that of a white marking behind its head in the openings of what looks like a black M. Some Asian Lady Beetles have dark black spots, while others have very light spots or none at all.
The beetle was purposely introduced into the U.S. from Asia in the latter half of the 1900s by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a means of controlling agricultural pests, such as aphids and scale insects. The USDA released the lady beetles in Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, California, Washington, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland, and since then it has migrated so that it is now found throughout most of the U.S.
In addition to this intentional introduction, beetles have also been accidentally introduced to the U.S. on freighters, which is likely to also have caused or magnified the current continental distribution.
Since their introduction, however, the not-so-beneficial aspects of this species of ladybug have been realized:
Like boxelder bugs and stink bugs, Asian Lady Beetles will crawl into cracks and crevices of the home – of eaves, siding, or even the foundation – to overwinter between the walls. They then often emerge into the warmth of the home at various times throughout the winter. Once inside, they will crawl or fly around rooms, on windows and walls.
The presence of numerous such insects in the home can be unpleasant enough. But, if disturbed,
these beetles also put out a noxious odor and emit a yellowish fluid that can stain walls, furniture, and other surfaces on which they crawl. Some people can have allergic reactions to the presence of the beetles, particularly if there is a large infestation. Allergenic reactions can vary from eye problems, such as conjunctivitis (or "pink eye"), hay fever, cough, asthma, or hives. Reactions can be triggered by handling of the beetles then touching one's eyes, or simply by being around a large or lengthy infestation.
Asian Lady Beetles can be aggressive and bite if they land on the skin. This can be a defensive move or simply its natural tendency to bite and eat other insects and/or seek moisture.
Although the lady beetles do help rid gardens of plant pests, they are become a problem in vineyards, where they can end up being "collected" along with the grapes resulting in an off taste in the wine from the beetle's emitted odor.
