Fall is here and cooler temps are rolling into the Sioux Empire. This not only means firepits, raking leaves, and winterizing machinery and motors, but also an invasion of ladybugs and Asian Beetles. But what is the difference? One bites and the other just wanders harmlessly around like Joe Biden trying to find his way out of Air Force One.

Here's how to tell the difference in the two species which are technically part of the same family.

The ladybug belongs to the family Coccinellidae while the Asian Beetle are classified in the Harmonia Axyridis family. Both of them feed on various aphids but you can generally find Asian Beetles on fruit which is not good from an agricultural standpoint.

Okay, thanks for the science lesson Mr. Smarty Pants, but what we really want to know is - which one bites?

The answer is the Asian Beetle. They are somewhat aggressive typically in larger swarms but the bite is not harmful. It just hurts. Oh, and they and it has a parasitic fungus that can kill other ladybugs!

So, why are they here if they are called Asian Beetles?

Decades ago, scientists decided to introduce Asian Beetles to North American as a form of pest control and was released in the south to manage aphids and other harmful pests.

Another fun fact: The Asian Beetle typically lives 30 to 90 days, but in a house, they can live up to 3 years.

How to tell the difference between ladybugs and the Asian Beetle: According to ChatGPT, Asian beetles can be more varied in color and pattern, often featuring orange or red bodies with black spots, or even no spots at all. Traditional ladybugs are often red with black spots.

What is a good method of keeping them out of my house? According to some DIY experts, caulking up loose siding and making sure windows and doors seal properly is the best defense. You can also try to deter them by using natural repellents, such as peppermint oil or cedar oil. But if there are too many to count, you may want to call a pest control company.

Ten Important To-Do's To Winterize Your Home

Plan ahead of the harsh winter and save money in the long run.

Gallery Credit: Dave Roberts

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When the decorations come out for the holidays are you faced with the task of hunting for that perfect fresh Christmas tree? Shouldn't be that difficult. There are plenty of tree farms in the area. But are there?

If you won't be the family to pull out the Christmas tree from a box, then let's go hunting for one. I've got just the place for you. Actually, four locations in the Sioux Falls area.

Gallery Credit: Dave Roberts

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