World · Europe · 17 hrs ago
Harlequin ladybirds swarm into homes across parts of the UK
Large groups of ladybirds are gathering in homes and other places across parts of the UK, including the Midlands, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and north-east England.
Some of the insects are harlequin ladybirds, a non-native species that has spread north from south-east England.
Ladybirds gather in clusters as temperatures fall and they seek sheltered places to spend the winter.
Harlequins can carry a fungus on their wings that can infect other ladybirds, but experts say it cannot be passed to people.
The insects are not considered dangerous to people, though they may gather in large numbers and can sometimes release an unpleasant-smelling liquid.
Sealing gaps around doors and windows can help keep them out, and experts say the insects will eventually find a balance with native wildlife.
Harlequin ladybirds are swarming into homes in parts of the UK, with residents reporting large numbers on walls, windows and doors.
Sightings have been reported in the Midlands, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and parts of north-east England.
The insects gather in clusters as they seek sheltered places for winter, and can enter through gaps around loose-fitting windows.
A fungus carried on their wing cases can infect ladybirds, but experts say it cannot be passed to people.
The Natural History Museum advises sealing and insulating doors and windows to help keep the insects out.
- Who
- Harlequin ladybirds and residents in parts of the UK.
- What
- Swarms of the insects have been reported in homes and other locations.
- When
- Around the time of the reports published on 30 October 2026; some residents said the swarms appeared that weekend.
- Where
- Homes and other locations in parts of the UK, including the Midlands, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and north-east England.
- Why
- The ladybirds gather in clusters as temperatures drop and food supplies dry up, seeking sheltered places for winter.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Professor Tim Coulson said it was the time of year when ladybirds were looking for somewhere to shelter over winter.
Ladybirds gather in clusters as natural food supplies dry up and they seek sheltered places.
Residents reported swarms of ladybirds, including in West Yorkshire.
Articles reported sightings of harlequin ladybirds in homes across parts of the UK.
- Species
- Harlequin ladybird
- Reported locations
- Midlands, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and north-east England
- Reported numbers
- Some residents said they had seen hundreds or thousands
- Fungus
- Laboulbenia forms scales on ladybirds’ wing cases and is harmless to people
- Expert advice
- Seal and insulate doors and windows to help prevent the insects entering
3 sources
What people are saying
These are not anything to panic about. First off they can't give you diseases, they can't hurt you and they're not going to completely exterminate our native fauna.
Having to shut every window, vent and door so you don't get bombarded by ladybirds. Damn things are still getting in though.
Has anyone else been attacked by the plague of ladybirds today!