Homeowners across the UK are reporting swarms of ladybirds invading their homes, with some describing the phenomenon as an 'invasion'. The beetles, which are actually a type of beetle known as Coccinellidae, are seeking warm places to hibernate during the winter months.
One distressed homeowner took to TikTok to express their frustration, stating, 'My house is literally crawling with them.' The influx has been particularly notable in the south-east of England, where the non-native harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is prevalent. This species, which arrived in the UK around 2004, is more likely to enter homes compared to native species like the seven-spot ladybird.
Professor Helen Roy of the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology explained the behaviour: 'On warm early October days many ladybirds will be seen flying around in search of a winter habitat.' While native ladybirds typically hibernate under leaf litter, harlequins prefer indoor spaces.
Despite concerns, experts advise against panic. Max Barclay, senior curator of beetles at the Natural History Museum, noted that while ladybirds can harbour parasites and a sexually transmitted fungus, these are not harmful to humans. 'It's a fungus that grows on the exoskeleton and we don't have one of those, and we don't have sex with ladybirds,' he said.
The phenomenon is expected to subside as parasitic wasps begin to prey on the ladybirds, helping to bring their numbers to an equilibrium. In the meantime, homeowners are advised to seal cracks and windows to prevent entry.
