Depending on the species, lady beetles go through at least one generation per year, with adults overwintering by hibernating in aggregations under leaf litter and other debris. Rarely, aggregations may find their way into homes in the winter. Pest-proofing a home by applying caulk and weatherstripping should prevent this from occurring. There is a similar, common species of beetle that is a pest, called the Mexican bean beetle. It is very easy to distinguish.
Adults have a yellowish-orange body with eight black spots on each wing cover.
The larvae are also very distinctive, and shouldn't be mistaken for predaceous larvae, because they have large forked spines across their backside. The Mexican bean beetle is a defoliator of soybeans and green beans. Other lady beetles, unless extremely objectionable, should not be killed since they are very beneficial. The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.