This year's gardening adventure. . .

[Bethers]

Judy I'll bet those were not ladybugs but were Asian beetles. Here's a picture of the difference.
https://images.app.goo.gl/2CE3Up1pFJLrVpoaA

[JudyJB]

I have no idea, but if it ever happens again, I will check photos!!

[Bethers]

I have no idea, but if it ever happens again, I will check photos!!

They are a pain, literally. Ladybugs don't bite but the Asian beetles can.

[BarbaraRose]

Back in MN we used to get infestations of the Asian beetles to the point of our house being completely covered by them. They do bite and they have an odor to them as well.

We also sometimes had infestations of box elder bugs the same way. The whole sides of the house would be covered and they were everywhere in the house too. They are harmless and don't bite but are a real mess when they get way over populated!

[Cudedog]

Thanks, everyone.

This discussion about the asian beetles has been very interesting. I had never heard of them, nor the fact that they could so easily be mistaken for ladybugs. I'll have to do a bit of research - I don't know if they are native to California.

I notice that Amazon sells ladybugs online; I had thought of ordering some next year at garden time. . . but now I worry that I might get asian beetles instead!!

Anyone know if there is an easy way to tell the difference?

Anne

[snowball]

It seems like I've heard of a way but don't remember what it is... I'm sure that you can find out though
sheila