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A swarm of ladybugs has now traveled to Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire after invading the UK from Asia and North America.
A large number of insects have been reported originally in the Greater Manchester area, but it seems that they are now heading south with StokeonTrentLive readers who claim to have seen "hundreds Of people in their gardens.
An anxious resident said, "My house is full of ladybugs, they are everywhere, they are not cute, they look a little grim."
Called "Harlequin Ladybugs", flying insects with black wings are said to carry a sexually transmitted infection known as Laboulbeniales fungal disease, reports MEN.
Scientists have also described the animal as the most invasive species in Britain, since it attacks seven native ladybugs, including the common spot at two.
People in Stoke-on-Trent use social media to share their ladybug issues.
The Liverpool Echo has compiled a list of everything you need to know about insects – where they come from, what exactly they are and how to eliminate them at home.
What are insects?
It is a species called Harmonia axyridis, also called Harlequin ladybug.
It is a varied species that carries a wide range of colors and may have red, orange and yellow markings.
Harlequin is considered the most invasive ladybug species on the planet.
It is bigger and more aggressive than other ladybugs and will eat them even.
Do ladybirds carry STDs?
Yes, but not as you might think. Ladybugs are carriers of a disease called Laboulbeniales, a form of mushroom.
It is not clear exactly what effect it has on insects, but it does cause yellow finger growths.
Scientists say that the fungus, which is transmitted during mating, will infect our native species, already threatened by the loss of their habitat.
Although they still do not know if the fungus is harmful, the UK Ladybird Survey indicates that it is possible that the disease will affect the shelf life or the number of eggs that are present. a woman can produce during her life.
Laboulbeniales can also appear in other insects, but it is a common infection in ladybugs.
It spreads through close contact during mating and can also be transmitted if the insects nestle against each other.
(Image: Getty)
Can humans catch STDs?
No, the disease can not be transmitted to humans. Laboulbeniales is also not harmful to humans.
Why is it a threat, then?
Harlequin ladybirds with the disease could greatly affect our native insects by transmitting the fungus.
And, as the insect population is already shrinking, this could lead to an even larger drop in the number of its insects.
It is not clear how this will affect them, but it could be dangerous for their health.
Insects can also leave an unpleasant chemical smell at home. They can also crawl on your furniture, leaving unsightly stains.
(Image: @mari_e_c)
Why are there so many ladybugs this year?
Swarms of insects have come from overseas and have been spotted by large groups in homes, gardens and elsewhere.
They migrate mainly from Asia and North America.
Where do they come from?
Most harlequins come from Asia, but they also migrate from North America.
Although the species has been in the United Kingdom since 2004, the population has recently increased and become more visible.
When did they arrive in the UK?
It was introduced for the first time in the United States in 1916 and quickly invaded parts of Canada, most of Europe and some countries of South America and North Africa. and South.
The Harlequin Ladybug arrived in the United Kingdom in 2004. It was first introduced in Essex and has since made its way up to Cornwall and the Shetland Islands.
Since its introduction in Russia in 2010, its range has expanded to the south by 186 km annually.
Are black ladybugs toxic?
No, black ladybugs are not toxic to humans or pets. They are just another color of the same species.
Do ladybugs bite?
They could do. According to experts, if they were hungry, insects could sting the man.
When they are hungry, Harlequin ladybirds will bite humans in their quest for an edible food.
House ladybugs, taken from dormancy by central heating, may bite people because there is no food available.
The bites usually produce a small lump and sting slightly.
However, there are some documented cases of people having a severe allergic reaction to Harlequin ladybugs.
How to get rid of ladybugs?
Experts suggest that the most humane and humane way to remove them from your home is with a glass and a piece of cardboard.
Insects carry a chemical that, if it touches a surface, could destroy the furniture. So it's probably best not to crush them.
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