Mum stressed by ‘disgusting experience’ as home infested by pest

A pregnant mum-to-be is feeling stressed after her home was taken over by an insect infestation. Dealing with unwanted pests and creepy crawlies can be a frustrating experience that’s not too uncommon.

One woman is struggling to manage a swarm of bugs that have taken over several rooms of her home since the end of autumn. The insects in question? Ladybirds. For the most part, these distinctive, brightly coloured beetles act as natural pest control agents, eating scale insects and aphids which cause damage to gardens.

There is an invasive version though – the harlequin ladybird, which comes in many colours and can release a foul-smelling fluid when they feel threatened.

The Royal Horticultural Society states: “It was not deliberately introduced to Britain or Ireland, but it became established in 2004. Since then it has become widespread in England and is spreading in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.”

They are known to seek shelter in buildings over the cold winter months. The leading national gardening charity explained: “There is however, no danger associated with the presence of these ladybirds although they can exude a clear yellow liquid which may cause some staining to furnishings.

“Unfortunately it is not possible to discourage the ladybirds from entering buildings and they can be captured and removed or tolerated.”

One mum is at her wits end with the presence of ladybirds in her home. She took to Reddit looking for answers.

Alongside an image of one of the windows in her home where a large number of ladybirds can be seen, she penned: “We have been dealing with an infestation of ladybirds since the end of autumn, which has tailed off a lot now, but we’re still finding 5-10 in our bedroom (and other rooms of the house) every day. 

“I was fine with just leaving them and hoping they’d go away, but one just flew into my ear and was possibly one of the most disgusting experiences of my life feeling it crawl around and eventually crawl out. 

“I am due to give birth any day and now worried about something similar happening to my newborn.”

She asked how to get rid of them and explained they’re entering her home through the “gaps” in their windows which can’t be sealed because “it’s an old, listed cottage”. 

The mum added: “Are there any deterrent sprays I can put around the windows? Must be child safe as also have a toddler.”

In the comments section, fellow Reddit users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “It’s the invasive harlequin/asian lady birds that hibernate in the house crevices over winter. 

“You can collect them with a stocking over your hoover hose. Put down some citrus oil around windows and gaps in walls etc”. 

Another claimed: “I used to have an infestation at my old house. I also had three indoor cats that used to eat them. Turns out in large quantities ladybirds will poison cats… ask me how I know.”

A third said: “It can be sealed. Just get some window tape. Think wide sellotape to cover the gaps & peel off come spring when you want to open your windows again”.

Many said they were harmless and nothing to worry about, which prompted several Reddit users to disagree. One person commented: “Not harmless, they can bite and they produce a stink”. 

Another added: “I had this happen in the listed cottage I lived in as a kid- I have hated ladybirds ever since- so gross!!!

“Right hoover them all up, and then clean and wipe the area thoroughly with white vinegar. Repeat for a few days- the problem will be gone!!! The vinegar is a really important step. It removes the pheromones that keeps drawing more there.”