A heightened presence of ladybirds in the home is quite common in autumn. This is because they, along with other pests, are looking for warm shelter after a warm summer. The dry summer that the UK experienced has led to a boom in aphid population, their main food source.
While some people like ladybirds, having hundreds within the home can feel quite uncomfortable. It’s important not to kill them as they are a valuable part of the ecosystem. Instead, use natural ways to deter them from coming inside your home.
Taking to the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tip Facebook group, Tina Ribbans said: “We’ve had so many ladybirds invading our home today. Any idea on how to stop them please?”
The post attracted more than 110 comments from fellow group members sharing their tried and tested tips.
Paula Tyrrell said: “We had this for years. They hibernate in the same place every year, around our bathroom frame. We sealed all around the window to stop them from coming in. They do go eventually.”
Gemma Swallow wrote: “Try eucalyptus oil around entry points, it’ll deter them. Worked for me.”
Suze Carr commented: “We have this problem too every year! I use essential oil, try eucalyptus or peppermint. It’s cheap and deters spiders too.”
Simply picking ladybirds up and popping them back into the garden can also work, but it can be hard if there are hundreds in your home.
Other pests which may be found in the home in October include spiders, and there are lots of ways to deter them, too.
This involves using plants which they find strong, as well as using essential oil around entry points to keep them away.
