Brits warned over ladybird swarms

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-04 15:02

Experts have predicted that swarms of ladybirds will cause chaos in the UK over the coming weeks.

It is understood that recent weather conditions have provided the perfect environment for the growth of aphids, which ladybirds feed on, resulting in a huge increase in their numbers this year.

Clouds of the tiny insects have already been spotted on the east coast. More people across Britain are expected to be affected as the month continues.

Entomologist Dr Ian Bedford told the Daily Express: "Go back a few weeks and the weather for aphids was just right to see them breeding in great numbers. There have been milder winters but the really important one was that we didn't have the heavy rainfall earlier in the year that we have had in recent years - and rain is lethal to aphids."

One ladybird swarm reportedly sparked terror among tourists in the coastal town of Cromer, Norfolk yesterday.

An onlooker revealed: "It was quite horrific. I have never seen anything like this in my entire life. Ladybirds filled the air and covered cars and pavements like carpets. There were hundreds upon thousands of them. It ruined our visit.

"My elderly grandmother was reluctant to get out of the car as there was absolutely no escape from them."

An invasion of harlequin ladybirds from Europe has also been blamed for boosting numbers.