Quick Answer

Yes. Asian lady beetles are naturally drawn to light sources, especially around dusk or indoors when lights are turned on.

The Science Behind Light Attraction

Phototaxis is the movement of organisms in response to light. Asian lady beetles exhibit positive phototaxis, meaning they move toward light rather than away from it. Here’s why:

• Navigation Cues: In the wild, insects use natural light from the sun or moon to guide their flight paths. Artificial lights can confuse them, making them think these are natural reference points.
• Warmth: Light bulbs emit a small amount of heat. On cooler evenings, insects may gravitate toward that warmth.
• Perceived Safe Zones: Brightly lit areas can appear as open, unobstructed spaces where they can safely land, rest, or seek food sources.

Seasonal Behavior and Practical Observations

As temperatures drop in late summer and fall, Asian lady beetles search for warm, sheltered spots to overwinter. Lights on homes, garages, and porches act like lighthouses to them:

• Swarming Around Lights: You’ll often see clusters near porch lights or window fixtures.
• Indoor Intrusion: Beetles crawl toward the glow through tiny cracks, ending up inside walls, attics, or living spaces.
• Monitoring Tools: Pest professionals sometimes employ light traps—devices that use light to lure and contain insects—to gauge beetle populations.

In Nashua, New Hampshire, residents frequently notice these beetles accumulating near outdoor lighting as the season changes.