(WAND) — With temperatures rising over the past few days, people may have seen what look to be ladybugs crawling around their homes. However, they are not ladybugs, but Asian lady beetles. 

The Asian lady beetle comes in a range of colors: from yellowish, to orange, to red, and even black. Most of them are spotted, and can have between up to 19 spots. Some have an M-shaped marking and they are usually larger than they typical ladybug. 

Ken Johnson, a Horticulture Educator at the university of Illinois who specializes in pest management and beneficial insects said the Asian lady beetle has a defense mechanism. "Sometimes when they're disturbed, they will release, yellow fluid from their legs. That's like a warning. Chemical smells real bad, and that can stain."

Multicolored Asian lady beetles were first introduced to the United States as a form of pest control, particularly when it comes to aphids. "They're a bit of a double edged sword so that they will control pests, but they can also compete with native lady beetles," explained Johnson.

Johnson said the best way to prevent an infestation is to prevent the insects from entering in the first place.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," began Johnson, "sealing up the house, making sure your doors and windows close tightly, there's no holes in your window screening ... that can go a long way."

If you find Asian lady beetles living rent-free in your home, Johnson suggested a designated bug vacuum. To easily dispose of the bugs, put pantyhose in the tube attachment of your vacuum and secure it with a rubber band. Once you have successfully removed all of your unwanted visitors, shake the pantyhose out.

"Brown marmorated stink bugs are also making their way indoors this time of year," said Johnson. "So you can have your dedicated insect vacuum suck them up, release them outside or put them in soapy water to kill them."

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