A pregnant mother has described the 'disgusting' reality of her home being overrun by an insect infestation, leaving her stressed and fearing for her imminent newborn's safety.
The Unwelcome Winter Guests
The culprits are ladybirds, specifically the invasive harlequin variety, which have been swarming into her old, listed cottage since the end of autumn. The insects are entering through gaps in the windows, which cannot be permanently sealed due to the property's protected status.
The mum, who is due to give birth any day, took to Reddit to seek help. She explained that while the influx has reduced, she still finds 5-10 ladybirds in her bedroom and other rooms daily. Her tolerance broke when one flew into her ear. "It was possibly one of the most disgusting experiences of my life feeling it crawl around and eventually crawl out," she shared.
Understanding the Harlequin Ladybird
While common ladybirds are beneficial garden predators, the harlequin ladybird is an invasive species. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) confirms it became established in Britain in 2004 and is now widespread. These beetles seek shelter in buildings during winter and can emit a foul-smelling, yellow fluid that may stain furnishings.
The RHS states there is no danger, but discouraging them from entering buildings is not feasible. They can only be "captured and removed or tolerated." This offers little comfort to the expectant mum, who is worried about a similar incident involving her newborn and needs child-safe solutions, as she also has a toddler.
Community Advice and Warnings
Fellow Reddit users offered a mix of sympathy and practical tips. Suggestions included using a stocking over a vacuum hose to collect them and applying citrus oil around windows as a deterrent. One user strongly recommended cleaning areas with white vinegar to remove pheromones that attract more insects.
Others highlighted that the bugs are not harmless, noting they can bite and produce a stink. A stark warning came from a user whose cats were poisoned after eating large quantities of the beetles. The consensus was that temporary sealing with wide window tape could be a viable, reversible solution for the historic property.
The situation underscores the distressing clash between preserving historic homes and dealing with modern pest problems, leaving one family feeling powerless in their own space.
