November 15, 2007

Asian Ladybugs:The Latest Allergy Import

There’s a new indoor and outdoor allergen in the U.S.—and the reactions it causes are notably severe.

In many parts of the country, the Asian Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) is making a menace of itself in spite of its agricultural benefits. As the weather cools, hordes of the new ladybugs swarm houses in search of warmth. The insects find even the tiniest crevice and pour into homes, dying in windowsills or flying erratically around lamps. The biggest problem with the infestation of Asian Ladybugs is that many people are developing severe allergic reactions to them.

The new ladybug was imported from its usual range in Japan, Korea, Russia and China to regulate aphids and other plant pest that put a dent in American food crops (especially pecans and apples). Several controlled populations of the insects were released in the 1960’s through the 1990’s. The Asian Ladybugs proved their worth in regards to devouring the pests that were ruining crops, but more recently, the insects are causing allergic reactions with a severity very similar to those sparked by cockroach allergen.

As a defense mechanism, the bugs produce a bad-smelling protein that is the cause of the allergy and asthma attacks. Some allergists and doctors find that 25% of their patients are coming in for Ladybug allergy symptoms. Those with this particular insect allergy are often sicker than people with tree and ragweed allergies.

Asian Ladybug Season: October through December

Symptoms associated with Ladybug allergy:

Itchy or watery eyes
Runny nose
Sneezing
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic conjunctivitis
Chronic cough
Asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath, etc)
Uticaria (hives)

Asian Ladybug allergies are on par with cat and cockroach allergies in terms of the numbers and range of people affected by it. Individuals with sensitization to Asian Ladybug made up 21% of allergy sufferers—whereas 24% were allergic to cats, 27% to cockroach and 40% to dust mites. The bugs are a growing cause of indoor allergies, as they often rest on homes in large numbers and then enter any hole or crack they can find to over-winter in the comforts of your home.

Ways to avoid Asian Ladybug allergen:

Exterminate the bugs.

Have a non-allergic person use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove insects from window sills and corners. Take the vacuum outside to empty the canister and throw away the bags.

Seal all cracks and holes—especially around windows and doors.

Wipe down all surfaces where the Ladybugs have been resting.

Utilize and air purifier designed for allergy and asthma relief, like the IQAir Health Pro Plus, to capture any airborne allergens.

See your doctor.

If you think you may have a sensitivity to Asain Ladybugs, see your doctor. Ladybugs can cause serious asthma and allergy attacks, so if it advisable to seek a professional opinion.

Individuals who are allergic to cockroaches may experience a cross reaction to Asian ladybugs. If you go to see an allergist, be sure to inform your doctor that you may be allergic to ladybugs—this will prevent inaccurate test results that often occur when people are tested for roaches and ladybugs at the same time.

Filed under Odors, Allergies, Asthma, Air Quality by Dan Buglio