Why are there loads of ladybird infestations in houses?

Reports of ladybird infestations have increased this week and experts explained it is due to hot temperatures disrupting insects' hibernation patterns.

Photos shared on social media show homes with dozens of ladybirds crawling up the walls and congregating in corners. 

The hot autumn weather has been bringing insects into our home (Image: Elizabeth Tulett)

Andrew Dellbridge, owner of Ace Pest Control in Norwich, said: "At this time of year, insects are looking for somewhere to hibernate.

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"They want to hibernate in semi-cold but not frosty spots of our homes like around our windows or curtains in rooms that aren't heated, or our outhouses and sheds.

The abnormal heat has disrupted insects' hibernation process (Image: Elizabeth Tulett)

"It has been ridiculously hot this week  - almost as hot as a summer's day - and that means the hibernation process has been prolonged."

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The insects ordinarily come inside and settle in a cool place for winter but the hot temperatures this week have been waking them up and bringing them back out.

Andrew Dellbridge (right) doesn't think it will last long (Image: Ace Pest Control)

Seeing large groups of bugs might make people worry about having a nest in their home but Mr Dellbridge said this is not the case.

He added: "They aren't associated with a nest because they hibernate as individuals.

"We humans don't all live together on the tube but we travel on it at the same time and that's similar to how the ladybirds move around."

Those who don't like having bugs in their homes won't have to wait much longer, as Mr Dellbridge said they will settle into hibernation "as soon as the frost kicks in".