A woman was aghast after spotting something rather peculiar on her walls, only to ultimately understand its nature upon closer inspection. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments Woman shocked as ‘hundreds’ of ladybirds invade her residence
A woman was horrified after noticing something shifting on her home’s walls, and her fear intensified as she examined it more closely.
Laura Wilson had just arrived at her house when she noticed a flurry of movement. She realised small red and black bugs were covering her walls and was unsure about what to do next, so she requested guidance on TikTok.
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Her video, with the caption: “POV: Your house is under attack,” has now achieved one million views and over 26,000 likes, with many users revealing their astonishment and recounting their own unsettling ladybird incidents. The 32-year-old customer service advisor from Leicester disclosed to What’s The Jam: “This is the second instance this year; however, it seems to recur annually around the same period on particularly warm days.
“They only enter through one window, despite all being open, specifically my landing window, and I believe this is because that side of the house faces the sun. There have been at least 100 on my walls, and there must still be a further hundred in my window frames presently.
“The majority of the responses on social media indicate they are hibernating, appreciate the white walls, and favour the warmth.” Although many regard ladybirds as harmless and not a cause for alarm, Laura disagrees strongly.
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She continued: “I am terrified of anything with legs, so I had to eliminate them as soon as [possible]. Especially when they commence flying, they simply make me feel utterly disgusted!
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“I vacuumed them up and placed them back outside on the lawn. TikTok comments also suggest [using] vinegar, washing up liquid, citronella, or lavender oil [on] your window ledges.”
At present, harlequin ladybirds are predominantly located in the south-east of the country, although they have gradually been progressing further north into the Midlands, and they transmit sexually transmitted infections. Fortunately, these cannot be transmitted to humans.
People across the UK have been encouraged to take action as these ladybirds ‘carrying STDs’ have been invading homes this week.
In Laura’s popular video, she pans the camera around the room, displaying numerous ladybirds gathered in corners, gaps, and openings.
TikTok users quickly responded to the footage. Sophie stated: “As someone who suffers from a phobia… this is petrifying.”
Jayde added: “I noticed the exterior of my house was completely covered today! It frightened me!” Lyndsey commented: “A lot are around our way to say the least – all over the windows and front door.”
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Sarah revealed: “I am ANXIOUS right now about it.” Sian joked: “I’d relocate.” Summer, less fearful of the insects, jested: “I’d prefer them over the spiders that keep appearing everywhere in my house.”
Another TikTok user remarked: “I’d collapse. Completely terrified of them.” As per Pest UK, this sort of swarming is common in late autumn as temperatures decrease sharply and ladybirds begin searching for comfortable, protected locations to hibernate.
Houses, sheds and attics are all ideal spots for them to settle in. And although they do not bite or spread disease, ladybirds can leave behind unpleasant orange-ish stains and scents when stressed, as well as potentially damaging soft furnishings and paintwork.
Pest control experts recommend sealing small gaps around windows and doors to prevent them from entering, and applying a lasting insecticide if infestations become a recurring issue. For the moment, Laura is hoping the pests will leave and discover a new place to inhabit.
Until then, it is simply Laura and her vacuum cleaner struggling against the unwanted visitors.