Introductions

Asian Beetles and Dogs: Are They Poisonous?

With Asian beetles and dogs, you’re obviously going to be concerned with whether or not they’re harmful or toxic to your pet. In this article, we’ll get right to answering questions like are Asian lady beetles poisonous to dogs and can dogs eat Asian beetles. This includes telling you what to do immediately and an easy way to prevent future problems!

Next, we’ll fill out your knowledge by instructing you on what Asian beetles look like, when Asian beetles come out, and if Asian lady beetles bite dogs. Finally, we’ll help you get these insects away from your house and pets by instructing you on a home remedy to get rid of Asian lady beetles humanely and also safely for your dog. Keep reading!

Asian Beetles and Dogs

Asian Beetles and Dogs

Asian beetles can pose risks to dogs if ingested. While they aren’t inherently poisonous, when threatened they do release a yellow secretion as a defense mechanism that may cause discomfort to dogs.

Are Asian Lady Beetles Poisonous to Dogs?

Asian beetles, also known as Asian lady beetles, are not directly poisonous or toxic to dogs. However, they can pose a risk if ingested by your pet. When threatened, Asian beetles release a foul-smelling, yellow secretion from their joints, which can cause discomfort if it comes in contact with a dog’s mouth or digestive system.

Dogs eating Asian lady beetles may experience discomfort, drooling, or difficulty swallowing. If you notice any signs of discomfort in your dog after they’ve interacted with Asian beetles, it’s best to consult your vet.

What Do Asian Beetles Look Like?

Asian beetles, or Harmonia axyridis, are often mistaken for ladybugs due to their similar shape and size. However, there are key differences in coloration and markings. Asian beetles can range in color from yellow and tan to orange and red, and they often have a larger number of spots than ladybugs.

To differentiate Asian beetles vs. ladybugs, an easy and defining characteristic you can look for is an ‘M’ or ‘W’ shaped mark on the area behind the head of Asian lady beetles. Ladybugs will lack this.

When Do Asian Beetles Come Out?

Asian beetles are most active during the warm months and are typically most noticeable in the fall when they begin to seek shelter indoors to hibernate. They often gather on the sunny sides of buildings, where they can enter homes through cracks and gaps. During this time, they can come into contact with pets more frequently.

Training the ‘Leave It’ Command

To keep your dog safe, one of the most effective things you can do is to train them to respond to the “leave it” command. This command tells your dog to ignore or walk away from items you don’t want them to have, including potential dangers like Asian beetles.

  1. Hold a treat in both hands and show your dog one closed fist.
  2. Say “leave it” and wait until your dog stops sniffing or licking your closed fist.
  3. Once they stop and pull away, give them the treat from your other hand.
  4. Repeat these steps until your dog understands the command.
  5. Practice with different items and gradually increase the level of distraction.

These steps will get your dog to stop eating Asian beetles, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (prey drive, curiosity, overexcitement, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog eats Asian beetles and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating Asian lady beetles ever again!

Can Dogs Eat Asian Beetles?

Can Dogs Eat Asian Beetles?

Dogs should not eat Asian beetles. While they are not inherently toxic, when threatened they release a yellow secretion as a defensive mechanism that can cause discomfort and potential harm to dogs if ingested. If your dog has eaten an Asian beetle, it’s important to monitor them for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions.

My Dog Ate an Asian Beetle

If your dog ate an Asian beetle, you might notice signs of discomfort such as drooling, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty swallowing. This is because Asian beetles have a defensive mechanism where they release a foul-smelling, yellow secretion from their joints when threatened or ingested. While this secretion is not toxic, it can be irritating to a dog’s mouth and digestive system.

In rare cases, large numbers of beetles can become lodged in a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to more serious complications like a blockage. This is a rare occurrence but is more likely to happen if a dog consumes a large number of beetles.

If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or physical health after they’ve eaten an Asian beetle, you should contact your vet for advice. Depending on the symptoms, your vet may recommend monitoring your pet at home, or they may advise you to bring your dog in for a check-up. Learn how to prevent future issues in the first section.

Dogs Eating Asian Beetles

Dogs eating Asian beetles often do so because they are curious and explore their environment using their mouth, leading them to eat various things they find interesting, including bugs. But due to the potential discomfort and rare risks associated with consuming these beetles, it’s best to prevent your dog from eating them whenever possible.

You can do this by supervising your dog while they’re outside, especially during the warmer months when beetles are most active. Training your dog to respond to the “leave it” command is also incredibly helpful in preventing them from eating beetles and other potentially harmful things they find. We explain how to do it in the first section.

While Asian beetles are not toxic to dogs, they can cause discomfort if ingested and, in rare cases, can lead to more serious health issues. Therefore, it’s best to prevent your dog from eating them. If you think your dog has eaten an Asian beetle and is showing signs of discomfort, contact your vet as soon as possible for advice.

It’s a good idea to get this problem with your dog taken care of now, as it will also keep them safe in other future encounters. You then won’t have to stress out over questions like are ladybugs poisonous to dogs, do silverfish bite dogs, are Japanese beetles poisonous to dogs, are lightning bugs poisonous to dogs, or are stink bugs poisonous to dogs ever again.

Do Asian Lady Beetles Bite Dogs?

Are Asian Lady Beetles Poisonous to Dogs?

Asian lady beetles can bite dogs, unlike regular ladybugs, although it’s not common. They are usually more aggressive than other ladybug species and may bite when threatened. Although typically not harmful, their bites can cause discomfort for dogs.

  1. Asian Lady Beetle Behavior: Asian lady beetles are known to be more aggressive than other ladybug species. While they do not frequently bite, they may do so if they feel threatened or are handled roughly. Typically, they do not actively seek out dogs to bite.
  2. Bite Symptoms: An Asian lady beetle’s bite is generally mild and unlikely to break the skin. Dogs may experience slight discomfort, redness, or itching at the bite site. However, dogs with sensitive skin may have a more noticeable reaction.
  3. Ingestion Risks: The more significant concern arises when dogs ingest Asian lady beetles. These beetles secrete a foul-tasting substance that can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive system. It’s important to discourage your dog from eating any beetles or insects.
  4. Prevention Measures: If Asian lady beetles are present in your home or yard, consider safe pest control measures to manage the population. Training your dog not to eat insects and supervising them during outdoor activities can also prevent potential ingestion issues.

In conclusion, while Asian lady beetles can bite dogs, it’s a rare occurrence and typically not harmful. However, ingestion of these beetles poses a more significant risk, making it crucial to take preventive measures to safeguard your pet’s health. Learn to keep your dog safe around Asian lady beetles by going back to the first section.

How to Get Rid of Asian Lady Beetles: Home Remedy

Asian lady beetles can be a nuisance, particularly during the fall when they start to invade homes seeking shelter for the winter. Fortunately, there are several effective home remedies that can help manage an Asian lady beetle invasion.

Seal Entry Points

One of the best ways to prevent an infestation of Asian lady beetles is to seal off any potential entry points in your home. This includes cracks and gaps in doors, windows, siding, utility pipes, behind chimneys, and underneath the wood fascia.

Silicone or silicone-latex caulk is often an effective solution for smaller openings, while larger gaps may require the use of steel wool or hardware cloth.

Clean with a Vacuum Cleaner

If you already have beetles inside your home, one of the simplest methods of removal is to use a vacuum cleaner. This can be a quick and effective way to gather up beetles without touching them, as they can leave behind a yellowish stain and a strong odor when threatened or squished. Once collected, you can dispose of the bag outside, away from your home.

Light Traps

Another effective home remedy for Asian lady beetles is a light trap. Beetles are attracted to light, especially UV light, so you can buy or create your own light trap to attract and trap them. There are commercially available versions, or you can make your own using a box, UV light, and a fan. Remember to place the trap away from areas you want to protect to draw the beetles away.

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder made from fossilized aquatic organisms. When beetles come into contact with diatomaceous earth, it can cause them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle the powder around your home’s foundation, windows, doors, and other areas where beetles might congregate or attempt to enter your home.

Repelling Plants

Certain plants can act as a natural deterrent to Asian lady beetles. Mums, for instance, contain a natural insecticide called pyrethrin, which beetles tend to avoid. Planting these around your property can help deter beetles from coming near your home.

Remember, while these methods can help manage an Asian lady beetle problem, they may not completely eliminate a serious infestation. In these cases, it may be necessary to consult with a pest control professional for more comprehensive treatment options. Learn to keep your dog away from Asian beetles by going back to the first section.

I’m sure you’re ready to not worry about any future issues between Asian beetles and dogs, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Best wishes, and thanks for reading our article “Asian Beetles and Dogs: Are They Poisonous? Can Dogs Eat?”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.