Invasion of the Ladybirds

[ArtichokeAardvark]

Every year around mid October I get an infestation of ladybirds in my bathroom. They come in through the extractor fan in swarms, and camp out in there for the rest of the winter, and god forbid I leave a window open! I even had the house repainted this summer as I've heard that they secrete an oil which attracts more small evil black spotted friends and I wondered if my outside wall was covered with the stuff. These aren't lovely red and black ones but the invasive bright orange buggers...

Anyone else have this issue?! Any ideas how to get rid of them? Never a ladybird to be seen in June when I want them in the garden, but bloody hundreds have arrived today! 🐞

Bright orange? How many spots do they have?

Those pesky Asian lady beetles! Yeah, I know the ones you're talking about - bright orange, black spots, and a nuisance.

Had the same issue at my place, and I feel your pain. Here's what worked for me:

1. Seal that extractor fan when not in use. Install a mesh or screen to keep them out.

1. Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Use a hose attachment to suck 'em up. Release outside, far from your house.

1. Insecticidal soap or sprays can help control numbers.

1. Check for gaps around windows, doors, and vents. Caulk or weatherstrip to seal.

1. Consider replacing your extractor fan with a newer model featuring a bug screen.

1. That oil they secrete, refellin, attracts more lady beetles. Clean surfaces with soap and water.

1. Diatomaceous earth, a natural powder, dehydrates and kills lady beetles.

1. Call a pro if infestation persists.

You're right; they ruin the charm of having ladybirds around!

Anyone else dealing with these unwanted winter guests?

About 20? Looks like this. They're horrid - and they leave orangey stains everywhere which smell!

Image didn't come up - but it's this ladybird. Harmonia axyridis - Wikipedia

Oh. I know it as the harlequin ladybird.

I can't say we've ever had an issue with anything like that in the house. They are fairly new to the UK I think, and invasive.

We had a swarm of ladybirds today. It was so freaky. Perhaps it doesn't usually happen because it isn't usually 22C degrees at this time of year.

It totally freaked me out as it happened so quickly.