A dog owner has revealed how they moved into their brand new home, only to find some unexpected “squatters” had beaten them to it.
It’s a well-known fact that homes often harbour a variety of insects – from flies and spiders to other creepy crawlies.However, this new homeowner was taken aback to discover a large number of ladybirds had already claimed the property as their own.
The owners of the @bertieisgolden TikTok account captioned their video: “When you get the new keys to your new house and you find out you have squatters here already.”
The resident shared a brief clip showing ladybirds everywhere. While these insects might be admired in the garden during the balmy summer months, having a swarm of them inside your home can be quite unsettling.
Despite the fact that a group of ladybirds is known as a ‘Loveliness,’ seeing them all clustered together on a ceiling like this can make them seem anything but charming.
After all, who would want them crawling all over themselves and the surfaces in their home? Not many, one would imagine.
However, there are those who believe that seeing ladybirds is a sign of “good luck,” with associations to good fortune, love, and some even say you can make a wish on a ladybird.
In one corner of the ceiling, more than 20 ladybirds were huddled together. Even more could be seen around the windows of the property.
In the comments, one person noted: “They’re only looking for somewhere to hibernate for the winter,” but when they make you feel nauseous or you’re scared of them, that’s not an ideal situation.
So why are there so many ladybirds that are invading homes at the moment?
Sophie Thorogood, Technical Training Manager at Pest-Stop, revealed that this year’s “invasion” of ladybirds is due to the warmer conditions over summer and autumn.
The balmy weather has allowed these insects to “thrive,” as “higher temperatures have boosted populations of all insects, including aphids – one of the ladybird’s main food sources”.
Currently, the ladybirds are seeking “warm, sheltered places to protect themselves from cold, wet conditions and a lack of food,” which explains why we find them in our homes.
Sophie also clarified: “Large clusters can stain walls, wallpaper and woodwork with their secretions, though they’re not harmful to humans or pets”.
Wondering what you should do if you spot ladybirds in your home?
If you’re dealing with a ladybird invasion, the best course of action is to “gently relocate them outside” so they can find another place to stay.
In nature, they might take refuge in trees or outbuildings. So, if possible, try to place them near one of these so they don’t return to your home.
Much like dealing with a spider, it’s advisable to use a piece of paper and act swiftly before they get the chance to fly off to another part of your home.
It’s also advisable to seal any cracks in your property to prevent these tiny intruders from gaining access.