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<\/p>\nA BUG expert has revealed the reason why you are seeing so many ladybirds in your home in October. <\/p>\n
Pest expert Joseph Robinson explained the cause behind the current invasion of the little critters – and revealed how to prevent them from entering your house.<\/p>\n
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The month of October marks the start of hibernation season for ladybirds. <\/p>\n
As temperatures drop in the UK, they enter homes in search of warmth and shelter for the winter<\/span> season.\u00a0<\/p>\n CEO of Simply The Pest London\u00a0Joseph Robinson explained: "This behaviour, known as overwintering, is quite common. <\/p>\n "The ladybirds are looking for a safe place to hibernate until the weather becomes more favourable for them to return outdoors in the spring<\/span>. <\/p>\n "If you're seeing many ladybirds in your home, it's likely because they've found their way inside seeking refuge from the cold."<\/p>\n The insects are attracted to warm and sunny areas, and during the summer, they seek shelter from the heat in cooler areas, such as homes.<\/p>\n "If it's a warm autumn<\/span> day, you may see tons of ladybirds on the sunniest side of your house. <\/p>\n "As the nights cool, the bugs gravitate to warm places during the day," he added.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Ladybirds hunt aphids, mites, and scale, which are considered pests for gardens. <\/p>\n When threatened, they secrete a fluid from the joints of their legs which wards off predators.<\/p>\n Although the critters are not dangerous to humans, the expert said people should be cautious as they can be poisonous if ingested. <\/p>\n They can also cause an allergic reaction in the form of a welt or a rash if in contact with sensitive skin. <\/p>\n Joseph said: "They are not poisonous – they don't draw blood or carry any type of disease, either. <\/p>\n "The only time ladybirds are poisonous is if you eat them. However, if you're allergic to them, a skin welt may form."<\/p>\n To safely get rid of them, Joseph recommends to\u00a0gently scoop them up using a piece of paper or a glass and release them outdoors.<\/p>\n Some natural repellents like citrus-scented cleaners or cedarwood can also be used. <\/p>\n "They also dislike the smell of cloves, bay leaves or chrysanthemums. <\/p>\n "Generally speaking, these strong smells overstimulate and confuse a ladybug's senses," he added.<\/p>\n People can also use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to gather the insects without harming them. <\/p>\n He said: "The best approach is to prevent ladybirds from entering your home in the first place. <\/p>\n "Seal any cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and walls to block their entry points."<\/p>\n It comes as a woman forced out when a swarm of ladybirds laid siege to her house. <\/p>\n Margaret Yescombe, from Ickleton in Cambridgeshire, was left in shock when she found''thousands'' of ladybirds had forced their way in.<\/p>\n The swarm was so large and the insects so bold that she was forced to flee her home until they left.<\/p>\n Margaret, 42, said: "I was pretty annoyed because I had to get my cat inside and they swarmed on me.<\/p>\n "There were thousands, maybe even tens of thousands.<\/p>\n "They're so creepy. You don't feel when they land on you so you only notice they're there when you feel them crawling on you."<\/p>\n She left around 3 pm in the afternoon and returned at 5 pm. Thankfully the insects had left by the time she returned.<\/p>\n Expert Joseph Robinson said you can take several measures to prevent ladybirds from entering your home:<\/p>\n Seal Entry Points<\/strong>: Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, and openings around doors, windows, vents, and utility openings. Seal these entry points with caulk, weather stripping, or other appropriate materials.<\/p>\n Install Screens<\/strong>: Use fine-mesh insect screens on doors and windows. This will help keep ladybirds, as well as other insects, out while allowing fresh air to circulate.<\/p>\n Keep Doors Closed<\/strong>: Be mindful of keeping doors closed, especially during the fall when ladybirds are more likely to seek shelter.<\/p>\n Check for Gaps in Screens<\/strong>: Regularly inspect screens for tears or holes and repair or replace them as needed.<\/p>\nRead More UK news<\/h2>\n
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