'My house is invaded by ladybirds every year - I'm absolutely petrified by them'

A woman was left stunned to find her home being "invaded" by hundreds of ladybirds- with the critters found crawling along her ceilings, walls and window sills.

Laura Wilson, 32, was "petrified" after walking into her propertyto find it swarming with the red-and-black bugs. With no solution, she turned to TikTok for help, posting a clip of the bugs which unexpectedly went viral, gaining 964,000 views.

The customer services advisor, from Leicester, said: "This is the second time it has happened this year however it seems to happen every year around the same time on really hot days."

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"They only come in one window so all windows were open but just my landing window and I think this is because this side of the house is sun facing."

Laura claimed there were at least 100 ladybirds crawling along her walls, with at least another hundred on her window sills. "The majority of the comments on social media are saying they are hibernating, they like the white walls and that they like the heat," she said.

But Laura was far from happy to see the bugs. She said: "I am petrified of anything that has legs so I had to get rid of them as soon as [possible]. Especially when they start flying they just make me feel all yuk!"

"I hoovered them up, and put them back outside on the grass. TikTok comments are also saying to vinegar, washing up liquid, citronella or lavender oil your window sills."

In Laura's viral clip, captioned 'POV: Your house is being invaded by ladybirds,' the camera pans around a room, showing dozens of ladybirds huddled in corners, cracks and crevices. The clip attracted more than 24,000 likes and over 1,000 comments, as others shared their own horror encounters with the insects.

Sophie said: "As someone who has a phobia this is horrifying." Jayde added: "I noticed the outside of my house was absolutely covered today! Freaked me out!" Another viewer, Lyndsey, said: "Loads our way have to say - all over the windows and front door," while Sian joked: "I'd move out."

According to Pest UK, in late autumn, ladybirds swarm in search of warm, dry places to spend the winter - and can sometimes end up in indoor spaces, like homes and sheds.

Pest UK said: "They don't sting and if they do bite, their bites don't cause serious injury or spread disease. However a swarm can comprise of hundreds of ladybirds and they can cause damage to property. When ladybirds become stressed, they secrete blood from the joints in their legs. This has an unpleasant smell and can cause orange stains on furniture, walls, soft furnishings and carpets."

Experts recommend sealing any small gaps to prevent the bugs from making their way in - and using a residual insecticide spray if they're already swarming.