- Size
- 6–8 mm
- Look
- Very variable: orange, red or black, with up to 21 spots or none
- Behaviour
- Cluster together to overwinter
- Peak season
- October to March indoors
They're not a health risk and don't breed indoors in winter. Most of the time the answer is to move them somewhere cool and leave them in peace until spring.
Signs of ladybirds
- Clusters of ladybirds in window frames, corners of ceilings or curtain folds
- Ladybirds gathering at upstairs or loft windows on sunny days
- Small yellow stains on walls or sills where they've been disturbed
- A faint musty smell from large clusters
How to be sure
Harlequin ladybirds are slightly bigger than native ladybirds and come in many colour patterns, but most have brown or reddish-brown legs and a mostly white 'face' with a black M or W shape behind the head. Our native 7-spot ladybird is red with seven black spots and black legs.
What you can do yourself
- Leave small clusters alone in a cool, unheated room or loft. They'll leave in spring.
- To move them, gently brush them into a container or vacuum them with a stocking held over the nozzle by a rubber band, then release them outside in a sheltered spot such as a shed or hedge.
- Don't squash them. They release a yellow fluid that stains and smells.
- Seal gaps around window frames, fascias and vents in late summer to reduce numbers next year.
Call a professional if
- Very large numbers return every year and are getting into living spaces
- Otherwise rarely needed
Safety: Harlequin ladybirds can occasionally nip skin. It's harmless, but some people are sensitive to the yellow fluid they release. Wash it off with soap and water.
Keeping them out
- Seal gaps around window frames and roof edges before October
- Fit fine mesh over vents where it won't block ventilation
- Check lofts and window frames in early autumn
Kit that helps
- Stocking and rubber band for the vacuum nozzle
- Soft brush and container
- Window and vent sealant
Product types only. We'll only ever point you to things we'd use ourselves.
Questions people ask
Do ladybirds bite?
Harlequin ladybirds occasionally give a small nip, especially when looking for moisture. It's harmless and rarely breaks the skin.
Why do ladybirds come back to the same house every year?
They leave scent traces that help others find good overwintering sites, so the same windows and lofts get used year after year.
Are harlequin ladybirds bad?
They're an invasive species that competes with native ladybirds, but in your home they're a nuisance rather than a problem.
What's the yellow stain?
It's a defensive fluid ladybirds release when disturbed. It can stain fabric and paint, so move them gently rather than squashing them.