Harlequin Ladybirds

Harlequin ladybirds are originally from native to eastern Asia.  They were introduced to North America and Europe to control aphids and scale insects.  They are becoming extremely common and well known in the UK.  They feed off greenfly, black fly and aphids. They also like soft fruit, in particular pears.

Signs of a Harlequin Ladybird problem:

• Evidence of ladybirds in the window frames and large numbers can be seen in the autumn.

WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE

Harlequin Ladybirds are domed and beetle in shape and structure.  They are about 7-8mm, round pale yellow-orange, orange-red, and red-black.  See the diagram below for the various types of these ladybirds.

REPRODUCTION

• The females live in protected sites during the winter, mating later in the spring.
• Eggs hatch approximately in 3-5 days.
• The development from egg to adult can take 36 days or longer depending on the temperature.  It may take longer in colder weather.
• Adults can live 2-3 years.

IMPLICATIONS OF HAVING HARLEQUIN LADYBIRDS

• They can form swarms and linger in areas for a long time.
• Harlequin ladybirds can eat the food of our native ladybirds and can also eat the larvae, therefore they are an obvious threat to our native ladybirds
• Sometimes they can bite and cause an allergic reaction.
• They have been known to be a minor agricultural pest.

HOW DO WE GET RID OF LADYBIRDS?

The treatment is the use of an insecticide spray to the affected areas and traps. We will also treat any cracks or crevices where they may rest during the day.