Plagues of ladybirds have been spotted around the Gedling borough as they seek shelter in warm houses.
Residents from Arnold, Carlton and Netherfield have been taking to social media to share accounts of seeing large numbers of the bugs climbing over windows, furniture and foliage at home and work.
Terry Bennett was one of the people to contact Gedling Eye.
The 55-year-old from Arnold said: “It’s like something out of a horror film – they’re everywhere.
“We came out of work for a cigarette break and they were swarming around one of the wall. They were flying around getting onto people’s clothes, in their hair and everywhere.”
Tina Sanders said they had also been spotted in Bestwood.
She said: “They are all over my wall in the back garden. I don’t mind as they are really pretty – better than flying ants like we had in the summer.”
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According to Ecological Contractor for Buglife, Rory Dimond, most of the ladybirds in question are Harlequin ladybirds, an invasive species from Asia.
He said: “The ladybirds pose no danger to humans however, large gatherings can give off a chemical smell and in centrally-heated houses they may be woken up from hibernation by the warmth and fly around the house,” Mr Dimond said.
“Although it is not a native species, they are now so abundant that killing the ladybirds will have next to no impact and we do not advocate spraying them with pesticides.
“It is best to remove the ladybirds humanely if you can using a glass and card.”
Have you seen one of the swarms? If so, send us your pictures or tell us about it: news@gedlingeye.co.uk
