Swarms of ladybirds ‘riddled with dangerous STDs’ are appearing in the UK after being swept in from Asia and North America, the Metro newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The ladybirds, known as Harlequin Ladybirds, are believed to be carrying a dangerous sexually-transmitted disease.
And dozens of people have already reported seeing the bugs in their living rooms, kitchen and bedrooms, the paper said.
Daniel McGlone, from Southampton, recorded dozens of them on his window in his flat, while Duane Richardson, from Peterborough, snapped several on her car.
Experts say the dangerous ladybirds, which have black instead of red wings, are now seeking hibernation in people’s homes.
They warn that they not only look different to the typical ladybird we’re used to seeing, they actually pose a threat because they carry an STD called Laboulbeniales, transferred through mating.
While the creatures are not thought to be harmful to humans, pest experts recommend sealing windows to make sure they don’t get in homes.
Steve McGrail, director of pest control company Pro Kill Environment, siad: ‘They are a non-indigenious species. They are coming inside in large numbers.
‘They usually cluster around window frames and they cluster together to gather heat and hibernate in winter months.’
According to scientists, the Harlequin ladybirds pose a risk to our normal species because of the fungus the creatures carry, which is passed on through mating.