Swarms of alien ladybirds carrying dangerous STDs invade homes across Britain

Vast swarms of diseased ladybirds are invading homes across Britain carrying a dangerous sexually-transmitted infection.

The insects - known as Harlequin Ladybirds - are swooping in from Asia and North America.

After gliding on the mild Autumn winds the creature are now seeking cosy hibernation spots in people’s homes, reports the Manchester Evening News .

Dozens of people have snapped the ladybirds in their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.

Experts say the reign invaders, which have black instead of red wings, not only look quite different to British domestic ladybird - but actually pose a threat to the domestic species because they carry a sexually-transmitted disease, called Laboulbeniales fungal disease.

Residents across Greater Manchester have reported large clusters of the bugs in their homes this week.

The creepy-crawlies have been seen clustering around boilers, window frames and smoke detectors as they bed down for witner.

Invasions have been reported in Cheadle, Wythenshawe, Sale, Stockport and the city centre, as well as other areas across Greater Manchester.

Aaron Greenwood shared a photograph of the bugs assembling around a light in his flat in Benchill, but said he would let them stay.

He said: “I noticed all the articles on social media regarding the ladybird invasion. I was with a close friend in my flat having lunch and we both noticed a small insect flying around the room.

“My friend made a comment that it was a fly I could tell it was a ladybird as am a nature fanatic. This laybird flew near my light on my living room roof.

“At closer inspection I could see three more, so I got a straw and envelope and put them in a container and got them outside.”

Debbie Phil Tighe wrote: “I’ve had them today all over my front door and a few inside of my window at the top of the stairs.”

Andrea Atkins posted: “My windows are covered in them and had a few in the house.”

Peter Wilson shared an image of a ladybird resting on his shoulder after he spotted a number of the creatures travelling on the 50 bus.

Andrea Allen said she saw “hundreds if not thousands” on the trees in Torkington Park, Hazel Grove.

Steve McGrail, director of pest control company Pro Kill Environment, said Harlequin Ladybirds are not harmful to humans but recommended sealing windows to make sure they don’t get in homes.

He said: “They are a non-indigenious species. They are coming inside in large numbers.

“They usually cluster around window frames and they cluster together to gather heat and hibernate in winter months.”

Scientists say a fungus the creatures carry, which is passed on through mating, will infect our native species which are already under threat from habitat loss.

While they don’t yet know if the fungus is harmful, the UK Ladybird Survey says it is possible that the disease affects the lifespan or the number of eggs a female can produce over her lifespan.