PenniF. I live in Ne. and yes I thought too that we had lady bugs that bite. My granddaughters fiancé is one of those horticulture specialist ( I think that's what is profession is) but he told me they were called Asian lady bugs and they really pinch when they bite. So maybe that's what you have too. They look just like a lady bug but aren't as red, they have a bit of orange in them. I know it sure ruins any working outside. I agree if you can't trust a ladybug who can you trust? lol.