In what sounds like a scene from a nature horror film, a British homeowner has reported her property being completely overrun by an astonishing invasion of ladybirds. The resident, Michelle Harding, described waking up to find every surface of her home crawling with the spotted insects.
The alarming incident occurred in the typically quiet town of Brierley Hill, West Midlands, where Michelle's semi-detached house became ground zero for the unexpected insect onslaught. "I've never seen anything like it in my life," she recounted. "They were coming through the windows, through cracks - everywhere you looked was just moving with ladybirds."
A Home Transformed Into Insect Haven
The scale of the infestation was so severe that Michelle initially mistook the dark mass covering her exterior walls for some form of mould or damp. Upon closer inspection, the horrifying truth emerged: thousands of harlequin ladybirds had chosen her property as their gathering point.
"When I realised what it was, my skin started crawling," Michelle admitted. "They were getting in through every possible gap - through window frames, under doors, through ventilation spots. We couldn't stop them."
The Harlequin Ladybird Phenomenon
This particular species, known as the harlequin ladybird, has become increasingly common in the UK since its arrival from Asia in 2004. Unlike Britain's native ladybird species, harlequins are notorious for their aggressive behaviour and tendency to form large overwintering groups.
Experts suggest that the insects are attracted to light-coloured buildings as they seek shelter from dropping temperatures. The phenomenon typically occurs during autumn when the insects search for warm places to hibernate through the winter months.
Living Through The Invasion
Michelle described the psychological toll of the infestation: "You start to feel like you're going mad. Every time you turn around, there's another one. You become paranoid, thinking you can feel them crawling on you even when they're not."
The family has resorted to drastic measures, including:
- Vacuuming up hundreds of insects daily
- Sealing every possible entry point around windows and doors
- Keeping lights dimmed to avoid attracting more ladybirds
- Regularly checking bedding and clothing for stowaways
Despite their efforts, the ladybirds continue to find their way inside, creating an ongoing battle for the distressed homeowners.
