Ladybirds

In Pests

Ladybirds

In autumn we are often called regarding large amounts of Ladybirds in peoples homes. They are now a more common occurrence as a pest with similar behaviour to cluster flies, than they were a few years ago.

While one pest is a fly and the other a member of the beetle family, their nuisance value to humans is the same. They both hibernate in large numbers in buildings. Their going in and out of hibernation takes time, they don’t just fly into their hibernation site, hibernate and then leave in the Spring.

Ladybirds go into hibernation gradually, sunning themselves on walls before going to the nest site at night or cold weather. The same issue applies in reverse when they emerge from hibernation in the Spring. In buildings they can become lost in the structure of the building emerging in rooms where it is too warm for them and they will die. You will often find dead Ladybirds around windows as they try to find a way out.

Harlequin Ladybirds

Harlequin Ladybirds differ from the native British Ladybirds in size, colour and their hibernation habits. The colours of the Harlequin Ladybird vary from pale orange, to black with a variety of different spot configurations. They are also known as the Multi Coloured Asian Ladybird. The difference is that Harlequin Ladybirds hibernate in large groups in buildings in the same way that Cluster Flies do. As with Cluster Flies it appears that once a site is chosen the descendants tend to use the same site from then on. This is due to genetic memory where the memory of the site is passed down to the descendants.

Treatment of ladybirds

A residual insecticide spray is applied to areas the insects are seen in and around. Windows, inside & out, walls, ceilings and lofts will be sprayed. Loft spaces and similar cavities may be treated with an insecticide fog.

Insecticide treatments will reduce the problem greatly. As insects come into contact with the treated surfaces they will absorb the insecticide and die but this can take some time depending on the temperature (cold weather slows the insect’s metabolism down so they take much longer to die) and another factor is how long ago the insecticide was applied. Inside the residual spray may last 1-2 months but obviously after 2 months it will not be as potent as after a few days. All the modern insecticides are biodegradable to make them safe.

PESTUK

PESTUK are full members of the BPCA, the governing body for pest control in the UK. Using a BPCA member company ensures you have a qualified, fully insured company treating your pest problem.

PESTUK have offices in Oxford, Guildford, Enfield, Shepperton, Wantage, Salisbury and St Albans.

Call us on 0330 100 2811 to book an appointment regarding Ladybirds Or any other pest problem you may have.