Ladybirds in room

batch108 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 09:17 PM

We have just started having a large group of ladybirds in our bedroom, about 50, they are in a large group, but leave the group and crawl across the ceiling during the night. They seem to be hibernating, but we are concerned about them being there all through the winter, and are unsure whether we should move them outside or not?

I think they are Harlequins, we live in Northants, any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

Batch108

Klaas Reißmann · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010, 10:24 PM

You can throw them out, but it might be for no use. I'm sure it is Harlquin and those Lady-birds use a pheromon to attract others to hibernate in a group. In the beginning of appearance of the Harlequin here in Germany there were some reports in lokal newspapers about Harlequins in numbers of hundredthousands I guess. A big wall all over filled with harlequin.

They surch for the bright walls, window frames and similar things, because they are typically hibernating in gaps in rock faces and our housewalls are nearly the same to them.

So, just throw them out, try it, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work.

Regards
Klaas

Paul mabbott · #3 (**permalink**) 13-10-2010, 07:52 AM

There's information in the thread Harlequin Ladybirds
If they're 'harlequins', the best way to catch them is with a small vacuum cleaner - then realease them well away from your house. If you handle them they will 'bleed' on you and the furniture/paintwork - their 'blood' (haemolymph) is smelly and stains ....
Whereabouts are you in Northants - I don't recall any large aggregations there previously.

batch108 · #4 (**permalink**) 13-10-2010, 08:56 PM

Thanks for the message Paul, I am based in Kelmarsh a small village near Market Harborough, hope this helps?

Thanks

Batch108

Paul mabbott · #5 (**permalink**) 14-10-2010, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batch108

Thanks for the message Paul, I am based in Kelmarsh a small village near Market Harborough, hope this helps?

Thanks

Batch108

Thanks. Just interested really! I originated in Northamptonshire ....

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #6 (**permalink**) 14-10-2010, 10:35 AM

Just like last year we have loads of ladybirds hibernating in our folded up but not yet put away bright orange parasols...stashed them in the garage for the winter and when we brought them out in the spring I'm happy to say they were all gone within a day..so they survived..will do the same this year!