Updated on November 18th, 2024
Just yesterday, two curious things happened:
First, a red ladybug landed on my toddler's bare arm during a small fit of hers. Hoping to distract her, I gently pointed it out. But before I could get closer, she yelled "hurt-hurt!" The ladybug flew away, and she clutched her small hand around the area where the "hurt" had been. As far as I knew, ladybugs didn’t bite, so I was surprised by her reaction.
Later, as I walked barefoot on our cool lawn, another ladybug landed near the strap of my tank top. I reached to scoop it up, intending to show my children, but felt a sharp prick where it had been—and just like that, it was gone. After this second encounter, I couldn’t help but wonder: Do ladybugs bite?
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I assumed I wasn’t alone in "getting bitten" and started wondering if certain ladybugs, like the Asian lady beetle, were the culprits. After all, the insect looked just like a native ladybug with its deep red color and black spots—but could appearances be deceiving?
What is a ladybug?
Ladybugs—or ladybirds, as they’re commonly referred to in Great Britain—are of the coccinellidae family. Coccinellidae is a widespread family of small beetles, with more than 6,000 species, ranging from 0.8 mm (three quarters and two pennies stacked) in size to 18 mm (eight quarters and four pennies stacked, which is about ¾ of an inch). They are usually a striking yellow, orange or red color, with small black spots on their wing covers, dwarf-like black legs, small heads and short antennae. Depending on the species, they can have spots, stripes or no markings at all.
Do ladybugs bite?
Native ladybugs don’t have teeth, so they can’t really bite you—but they can scratch, which feels like a mild "nip." Their mandibles (movable lower jaws) are designed for gripping, tearing and devouring soft-bodied insects and leaves, particularly aphids. While these mandibles are strong enough to tear through countless aphids daily, they aren’t tough enough to break human skin or cause bleeding.
However, native ladybugs can pinch using their back legs, momentarily latching onto your skin. This is a natural defense mechanism to ward off predators or threats.
Asian ladybugs, on the other hand, share the same anatomy as their native counterparts but are far more aggressive. When liquid nourishment is scarce, their survival instincts take over. In extreme conditions—like severe droughts or oppressive heat waves—they may bite humans in search of sustenance. Though rare, these bites can feel more intense than a mere pinch.
What does an Asian ladybug’s bite look like?
An Asian ladybug’s bite typically appears as a small, raised red bump. This reaction is your body responding to the plant or fungus residue in the ladybug’s mouth.
In my case, I believe both my toddler and I were pinched rather than bitten, as neither of us had red marks on our arms afterward. Ladybug pinches are fleeting, harmless and leave no trace beyond a brief surprise.
Does a ladybug’s pinch or bite hurt?
I suppose that’s like asking someone if it was painful to get their first tattoo. Some folks, including myself, would say a definite no. Other folks would give a decisive yes.
A small bite by a ladybug can be painful and hurt for several days, but it’s not lethal or overly harmful. Cleaning the area with soap and water can help remove any potential contaminants and minimize irritation.
A pinch, based on my experience and my daughter’s, feels like a brief "ouch, what was that?" moment and is over just as quickly. It’s comparable to being flicked hard by someone’s finger—momentarily surprising but not a big deal.
Could I be allergic to ladybugs?
Yes. Though most folks are not allergic and ladybugs are not considered toxic, there is a very small probability that you could be. When stressed, ladybugs release hemolymph—a yellowish-orange, foul-smelling liquid—from their legs. If this fluid is accidentally rubbed into your eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis. Allergic reactions might also occur if the fluid comes into contact with your skin, particularly an open wound, or if it’s ingested.
Final word on ladybugs
Ladybugs are highly beneficial insects, adored by children and cherished as symbols of good luck across cultures. However, if your home becomes a refuge for Halloween lady beetles or pumpkin ladybird beetles (better known as Asian lady beetles) this fall, they’re likely seeking a cozy spot to overwinter.
To swiftly address these uninvited guests, turn to Dr. Killigan’s Six Feet Under Plant-Powered Insect Spray for immediate results. Alternatively, you can vacuum them up and release them back into the wild. For a long-term solution, consider using Dr. Killigan’s Insect Buster to disperse Dust to Dust Plant-Powered Insect Powder around entry points. Dust to Dust, a safer and faster-acting alternative to diatomaceous earth, achieves kill times up to 50% quicker.
As always, our non-toxic pest control solutions are here to help.
Have you ever been nibbled or pinched by a ladybug? We’d love to hear about your experience!
