Many Brits have reported ‘swarms’ of ladybirds in homes and gardens
The sudden influx of ladybirds in homes across the UK has left many Brits scratching their heads. When it comes to insect invasions, one typically thinks of flying ants, spiders or even cockroaches, not ladybirds.
Yet, as autumn sets in, these colourful beetles are increasingly making their presence felt in our homes. An expert has now shed light on why there’s been a surge in sightings of harlequin ladybirds this week.
Social media is abuzz with Brits expressing their surprise at the number of ladybirds they’re finding indoors. One user posted on X: ” I don’t know what’s going on, but there are loads of ladybirds outside casually swarming around my house!” Another queried: “Ladybirds, everywhere! Is this the equivalent of flying ant day?”
Thankfully, experts have stepped in to demystify the situation. The reason behind this phenomenon is quite simple – ladybirds participate in an annual autumn migration in search of shelter before the winter chill sets in.
Professor Helen Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Exeter explained to Manchester Evening News: “Winter is a tough time for ladybirds in Britain, and so during the winter months they become dormant. Each species has a favoured place to spend the winter – some, such as harlequin ladybirds, enter buildings while 7-spot ladybirds tuck themselves under leaf litter.”
He continued: “At this time of year, they are moving around to find a good place to overwinter. On warm early October days, many ladybirds will be seen flying around in search of a winter habitat.”
Mild weather across Britain means these tiny creatures have the chance to buzz about and locate decent shelter for the colder months ahead, reports the Express.
Max Barclay, Senior Curator of Beetles at the Natural History Museum, outlined in a blog post: “There are a number of species of ladybirds that hibernate in big clusters. Ancestrally, harlequin ladybirds would probably have hibernated in big clusters in caves, hollow trees and other sheltered places.”
Instead of caves, ladybirds frequently squeeze into people’s houses, which do the job just as well. They typically slip inside through poorly-fitting windows or small openings. But there’s no cause for alarm, as ladybirds present no danger whatsoever to humans.
The best way to prevent ladybirds from setting up camp in your home this winter is to make sure all gaps around windows and doors are properly sealed – this should keep out pesky draughts, too.
Guidance from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology suggests: “Perhaps gather them gently into a box and put them in an outbuilding if they are in the way but otherwise, just leave them where they are if possible.”
These particular ladybirds hail from China, Russia and Japan, initially turning up in Britain back in 2004. They might appear orange with black markings or black with red markings.
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