Seeing spots in your home? What to know about Asian lady beetles, how to get rid of them

It's October, which means it's the season for ghosts, ghouls, monsters and a certain orange and black beetle.

The Asian lady beetles, commonly referred to as Halloween beetles, are starting to invade homes across Ohio. They are a close cousin of the ladybug (and nearly identical in appearance) but are more annoying and smelly than their black and red counterparts.

Here's what to know about Halloween beetles and how to get rid of the pumpkin-colored insect.

What do Asian lady beetles look like?

Asian lady beetles typically have 19 black spots, which can be well-defined or appear as faint traces on their wings, according to the University of Minnesota . There's also a clear black M-shaped marking behind their head, which ladybugs don't have.

Adult Asian lady beetles are approximately 0.2 to 0.3 inches long and have an oval shape, per the Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences extension. They can also have many different contrasting colors and seasonal appearances but are most known for their yellow-orange design, which is common during this time of year.

Where did Asian lady beetles come from?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture , the insect is native to Asia but has been found in many areas of the United States. The Asian lady beetle was imported to the U.S. and released as early as 1916 to naturally control the population of other insects and pests.

Asian lady beetles were first found in Ohio in October 1993, when some residents reported that thousands of lady beetles were gathering on homes and buildings, per the Ohio State University extension.

Why do Asian lady beetles enter homes?

Halloween beetles show up in the fall and early spring. It's a common misconception that they enter homes because it gets cold outside and they want to stay warm.

The OSU extension says that in our state, they typically start seeking places to spend their winters once temperatures drop below 64 degrees outside. They're not looking for warmth, but rather shelter. That comes back to haunt them, though, as they're coldblooded. Heated structures may actually kill them.

Are Asian lady beetles harmful?

Asian lady beetles are not harmful to humans or pets. While they have been known to bite, the bites are not toxic or venomous and do not lead to the spread of diseases, per WebMD .

How do you get rid of Asian lady beetles?

You can get rid of them and also prevent them from entering your home.

To prevent them from entering your house, look for spaces and cracks on the outside that would allow the bugs to enter. Seal them with caulk, polyurethane spray foam, steel wool, or copper mesh. Repairs should be done by the end of September.

Use pesticides around doors, windows and rooflines. Remove the beetles with a vacuum if you find them in your house.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Seeing spots in your home? What to know about Asian lady beetles, how to get rid of them