Get Rid of a Harlequin Ladybird Infestation
Prices from £90 +VAT
To get rid of a Harlequin ladybird infestation from your home or business premises call 0800 026 0308
Guarantee
This treatment will not eliminate a Harlequin ladybird infestation but it will kill the vast majority present at the time of treatment.
In autumn Harlequin ladybirds collect in huge numbers inside buildings as they prepare to hibernate. This takes place gradually over several days. Initially they gather on outside walls and sun themselves. In spring when they emerge from hibernation the same applies in reverse.
Ladybirds return to the same place to hibernate year after year because of genetic memory.
What problems do ladybirds cause?
- If provoked, they secrete a yellow chemical which can stain walls, furniture and window frames and has an unpleasant smell.
- They do bite but their bites are harmless, at most causing a slight irritation.
- They often get lost in the structure of a building and emerge in rooms where it’s too warm for them so they die. Dead ladybirds are often found around windows as they try to find a way out.
Preparation you must undertake prior to treatment
- Ensure the walls, ceilings, areas around windows (inside and out) and surfaces where the ladybirds have been seen are clean.
- Clear the loft space if ladybirds are present.
Aftercare
- Immediately after treatment let the spray dry; don’t clean or wipe up any puddles.
- Reduce the humidity by opening windows and increase the heat to allow the treatment to work most effectively.
- Don’t touch the treated surfaces or let pets into the treated area until dry.
- If you do get the insecticide on your skin wash it off immediately.
- Residual insecticide lasts 1 to 3 months on surfaces and carpets so do not wash, vacuum or clean them.
- Be prepared to see dying ladybirds for up to 4-weeks after treatment.
How our treatment works
A residual insecticide is applied to the areas where the ladybirds have been seen. This includes around windows (inside and out), walls, ceilings and lofts. Loft spaces and similar cavities may be treated with an insecticide fog.
When ladybirds come into contact with the treated surfaces they will absorb the insecticide and die. This may take some time depending on the temperature and how much insecticide they have absorbed. Dying ladybirds may be seen for up to 4-weeks after treatment.
The treatment will kill the vast majority of ladybirds present at the time of treatment. There may be ladybirds already hibernating in areas difficult to access such as cracks within cavity walls or between the felt and roof tiles.
Products we use
The technician will state which insecticide has been used on the report they give you after they have completed the treatment. Click each product to access its safety data sheet. All insecticides are biodegradable, almost odourless, non-tainting and don’t corrode or stain.
Insecticide sprays
Insecticide powder
Insecticide fogging
Electric Fly Killers (EFK)
An electric fly killer can significantly reduce, but not solve, the problem.
Fly-Shield 1
Designed for areas up to 90 sqm
Attracts and traps flying insects on a UV stabilised glue board.
1 x 18w shatter resistant lamps
W 34.5 x H 25.5 x D 12 cm
£106.80 including VAT + £10 shipping/postage
About Harlequin ladybirds
There are more than 40-species of ladybirds in the UK. They are useful insects due to their voracious consumption of destructive pests such as aphids. A single adult ladybird can eat as many as 50-aphids in one day.
Harlequin ladybirds are Asian in origin and were released in North America in 1916 as a biological control agent against aphids. However, they reproduced quickly and their numbers have increased exponentially. They have invaded most of North America and Europe and are spreading to South America and South Africa, becoming the most invasive ladybird on earth.
Harlequin ladybirds arrived in the UK in 2004 and have now spread all over the country. They differ from native British ladybirds by size, colour and pattern. Much larger, they are 8mm long and vary in colour (yellow, orange, red or black) with a variety of spot configurations. They are distinguished from other ladybirds by a white spot on their heads. The Harlequin ladybird poses a threat to native British ladybirds by competing with them for aphids and eating their eggs and larvae. They are also a threat to hundreds of other native British insects as they eat their larvae and compete with them for pollen, nectar, fruit juices and honeydew.
