Ladybird swarms bug Shropshire homeowners

Home owners have been battling with infestations of ladybirds due to the change in weather, and in particular, have seen hordes of the STI ridden harlequin ladybird.

The insects have been making their way into homes looking for warm places to hibernate, where they huddle together for the winter.

The STI the foreign harlequin bugs carry, a fungal disease that causes yellow finger like growths on bugs, is not harmful to humans, but affects other insects and poses a great threat to native ladybirds.

Shropshire homes haven't been able to avoid the critters, as people are starting to see the bugs cluster around window sills, boilers and lamps.

Peter Chatham, of Aim Environmental Services, which provides pest control to Telford and surrounding areas in the West Midlands, said he has received a sharp rise in calls regarding the spotted beetle.

Increase

"We have seen a massive increase in calls over the past fortnight for lofts, homes and outbuildings being swarmed with ladybirds," he said.

"These will include the native red shell with black dots and the harlequin ladybug which has a black shell and red dots.

"Both species need to find warm shelter over the winter months and cluster together in great numbers which is why the invasion causes so many problems for home owners and businesses."

The harlequin bugs are known as the most invasive ladybird in the world and can leave a chemical-like smell and yellow stain on furniture and fabric.

"Prevention and treatment can be difficult," he added.

"To remove ladybirds that are already in the property, we recommend that you use the hoover to clear them up and remove the contents straight outside as they will climb back out.

"For properties that have a recurring problem we recommend that proofing is attempted prior to the autumn months."