The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle* 

Home and Garden IPM from Cooperative Extension

(Harmonia axyridis), is a common ladybug that can become a household nuisance each fall in cold climates–in New England, for example–when adults begin seeking out warm locations to spend the winter. It is inherently a beneficial insect, and one which has frequently been deliberately released in the U.S. (beginning as long ago as 1916) for the purpose of controlling harmful plant pests such as aphids, mites, scale insects, etc. They can pose a legitimate nuisance, though, when confronted with large numbers of them indoors, and their secretions can stain furniture, curtains, blankets, rugs, etc. They do not breed, lay eggs, or feed inside the home, however, and they are not structurally-damaging.

As the name suggests, the Multicolored Asian lady beetle exhibits a great many color forms. However, outside its native area of eastern Asia, one finds them primarily showing only one of three basic color types: red or orange with black spots, black with four red spots, and black with two red spots. The form with anywhere from zero to 19 spots–known as the succinea form—is the most common form that we have here in Maine. They have reddish-brown legs and are noticeably brown on the underside of the abdomen.

Two similar species are the Seven-spotted Lady Beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) whose wing covers are spotted in a 1-4-2 pattern, and the Two-spotted Lady Beetle (Adalia bipunctata), which has orange wing coverings and just one black spot on each side.

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Bulletin #9001, Preparing Food During a Power Failure

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

During a power failure, cooking and eating habits must change to fit the situation. You may have no heat, no refrigeration and limited water. In addition, there are greater health risks from eating contaminated or spoiled food. When preparing food during a power outage, conserve fuel, conserve water and take health precautions.

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Fall garden clean up with pollinators and other wildlife in mind

Ken Johnson

Illinois Extension

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences

As the days get shorter and cooler, the gardening season starts to wind down, and many of us will begin cleaning up our landscapes for the winter. While cutting back dead plants and raking leaves can make for a clean-looking yard, it may not be the best thing for pollinators and other wildlife that inhabit our landscapes. So, how should we approach garden clean-up in the fall?

How do pollinators and other wildlife overwinter?

While monarchs and some species of birds will migrate south for the winter, most of our pollinators and other wildlife will stick around. Most insects will enter diapause (they stop developing due to unfavorable conditions) during the winter months. Depending on the species, this can be as an egg, larva, pupa, or adult. Regardless of what development stage they spend the winter in, insects will seek out protected locations to spend the winter.

Amphibians will enter go into hibernation (actually brumation) to spend the winter. Some, like salamanders and toads, will burrow into the ground and try to stay below the freeze line. Peepers and wood frogs may also burrow into the soil to overwinter, but not as deeply. They will be subject to freezing temperatures and will produce an “antifreeze” to prevent their cells from freezing, but the rest of their bodies will freeze.

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Mainely Dish Recipe Video: Pumpkin or Squash Bread

October 11, 2021  Recipes, Spoonful

Fall is in full swing and this simple quick bread is perfect for the season. This recipe is a great way to use canned, frozen, or fresh pumpkin or squash puree you have on hand, and it is perfectly moist. Make it your own by adding chopped nuts or raisins for additional flavor and texture. 

Visit our recipe website for the Pumpkin or Squash Bread recipe and recipe video.

By Alex Gayton, Nutrition Education Professional

Why Do Woodpeckers Like To Hammer On Houses? And What Can I Do About It?

The Cornell Lab

All About Birds

Acorn Woodpeckers have been known to make holes in houses to store their acorns. Photo by Maureen Sullivan via Birdshare.

Woodpeckers usually hammer on houses for one of four reasons:

1. Because it makes a satisfyingly loud noise that proclaims the bird’s territory and attracts a mate. If the birds are drumming for these reasons, they will most likely stop once breeding has begun in the spring (they don’t drum when looking for food).
2. Because the bird wants to excavate a nest or roost hole. If the woodpeckers are creating a nest cavity, the hole will be round and large. Nesting holes are usually built in the beginning of the breeding season between late April and May. If you need to evict woodpeckers from your home, aim to do so either before or after the nesting season.
3. Because it is feeding on insects living in the siding. If the birds are looking for insects, the holes will be small and irregular. You may have to call an exterminator to get rid of the underlying insect problem. Woodpeckers are particularly fond of the larvae of carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and grass bagworms. .
4. Because they are storing food. If you are located in the West, Acorn Woodpeckers peck dozens or hundreds of acorn-sized holes into large trees or houses, and stash a single fresh acorn into each one.

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Maine Fall Foliage

Maine.gov

When & Where to Visit

• Where to Visit
• When to Visit
• History of Peak Weeks



Maine's state parks, mountains, farms and coast provide wonderful settings for fall leaf peeping. We've put together some suggestions for the best locations in each region of Maine, and when to visit each one for the best fall colors.

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