Lady Beetle

I was visiting at my mothers house a couple days ago (North Alabama) and she was swatting away at lady beetles moving into her house. They are climbing up the side of houses and making their way indoors seeking a place to spend the winter. According to an Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES)Publication,

Lady beetles (ladybugs) are normally considered beneficial insects because they feed on pest insects such as aphids in gardens and landscapes. However, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, can become a serious household pest. These beetles have been reported to congregate on the sides of buildings by the thousands. They will move inside if given the opportunity, and will stain carpeting, wallpaper, and bedding when crushed or disturbed. These beetles are not poisonous, do not bite or sting, are not carriers of disease, and do not eat wood.

The Asian lady beetle was originally released as a biological control agent for pecan aphids as early as 1916 in California. They have been used throughout the United States and in Canada. Asian lady beetles have a wide host range and can feed on many aphids including rose, apple, poplar, conifer, and crape myrtle aphids.

The ACES publication mention a Integrated approach to control of:

Exclusion
Prevention is the key to keeping this lady beetle from getting into homes. A space less than 1/8 inch will allow lady beetles entry. To prevent entry:
Caulk cracks along windows, doors, or other portals of entry.
Seal and screen attic vents. (This is where they get in at my house)
Install tight fitting door sweeps. Gaps under glass sliding doors may be sealed with foam weather stripping.
Seal utility openings (pipes, dryer vents, cable TV wiring ports, etc.) with caulk, steel wool, or other mesh.

Sanitation
Vacuuming or sweeping is the first line of defense once they are in a home. Don't forget to discard the vacuum bag outside when you are finished. Do not crush the beetles as they can stain wallpaper and upholstery.

Chemicals are generally not recommended. The beetles have to be sprayed directly or walk over treated surfaces to obtain a toxic dose. A vacuum cleaner eliminates beetles indoors without leaving pesticide residues on indoor walls and countertops.

A University of Kentucky publication says, "although Asian lady beetles do not transmit diseases per se, recent studies suggest that infestations can cause allergies in some individuals, ranging from eye irritation to asthma.

People should avoid touching their eyes after handling the beetles, and should consult a physician if they suspect they are having an allergic reaction. When large numbers of beetles are flying in the fall, they often land on clothing and occasionally will bite or 'pinch' if in contact with skin. In nature, lady beetles eat other insects and have chewing mouthparts. The bite feels like a pinprick and is seldom serious. "

Retired Entomologist from the Georgia (UGA) developed a trap that an enterprising person could build and it works on these lady beetles and other household flying pest.