Mass invasion of STD riddled ladybirds across UK and this is why

Homes in Coventry and across the UK could see an influx of “foreign” ladybirds carrying STDs gathering in their homes.

Dozens of people have already reported on social media seeing swarms of the Harlequin ladybirds.

The normally red bugs, which have black wings, are flying in from Asia and North America on the mild autumn winds.

They are looking for small cracks around windows and doors over the colder months, report the Mirror .

The Harlequin ladybird is native to Asia and North America and have black wings rather than our common red.

The Harlequin carries a sexually transmitted disease which is affecting our native population.

The disease is called Laboulbeniales which is a form of fungi. This fungus is then passed on through mating or close contact and can infect our native species.

The disease cannot be passed on to humans and is not harmful to humans in any way.

Dozens of people have taken to social media to report seeing swarms of the insects in the last few days.

The bugs have been dubbed Britain’s most invasive species by scientists as they prey on seven native ladybirds.

They are larger and more aggressive than other ladybirds and will even eat them alive.

Ladybirds seen in homes are likely to be the invasive species as native species tend to hibernate in trees or leaf litter.

Ladybird survey organiser Peter Brown told the BBC Harlequin ladybirds sometimes bite people if no food is available, which can leave a little bump and sting. Some people may have a severe allergic reaction to it.

He said that if you see the Harlequins in your home, it could be better to leave them be be easiest to leave them – adding when they are disturbed they secrete a yellowish substance that can stain furnishings.

The UK Ladybird Survey explain that harlequins were introduced to North America in 1988, where it is now the most widespread ladybird species on the continent. It has already invaded much of of north-western Europe, and arrived in Britain in summer 2004.

There are 46 species of ladybird (Coccinellidae) resident in Britain and the recent arrival of the Harlequin ladybird has the potential to jeopardise many of these. They are monitoring its spread across Britain and assess its impact on native ladybirds.