Summary
Many ladybirds are gathering in UK homes because of the recent warm and dry weather. These insects are looking for warm places to stay during the winter months. Experts say these gatherings are normal for this time of year.
Key Facts
- An unusual number of ladybirds are appearing in UK homes, shared on social media.
- Temperatures recently rose above the average, creating ideal flying conditions for ladybirds.
- Ladybirds need warm, sheltered spots to survive the winter, a process similar to insect hibernation.
- They typically gather in groups, referred to as aggregations, to find stable conditions.
- Windowsills are common places for them to gather because they can get through small gaps.
- The UK enjoyed a record warm spring and summer, boosting insect populations.
- Ladybirds' main food source, aphids, increased significantly during this warm period.
- Some native UK ladybird populations are declining, partly due to the presence of invasive species like the harlequin ladybird.
