Not to be confused with the normal Ladybird, the Harlequin ladybird was introduced abroad to control aphids on agricultural crops. Unfortunately it arrived in the UK too and soon became a voracious eater of anything in its path, good or bad. These ladybirds have tens of different patterns and colours and can cluster in their thousands in homes during the winter.
They can be treated using non-chemical means. Harlequin ladybirds carry nasty diseases and can bite humans. There have been cases where literally millions have ‘covered’ streets and buildings.