Where do Ladybirds go in Winter?

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In late autumn and early winter it's not uncommon to find ladybirds huddled together in large groups, sometimes numbering thousands. Ladybirds hibernate through the winter as adult insects, so this is the time when they start looking for suitable sites. Different species will usually hibernate in different places. Some shelter under tree bark, others sleep under leaf litter etc.



In the summer months ladybirds give off a faint scent, which is thought to deter potential predators. In the winter this 'ladybird perfume' could be one of the ways they find each other at hibernation sites.

Several people have e-mailed us recently to say they've found ladybirds in their homes. Now that the colder November weather has set in the ladybird's natural food supply has dried up, and that's when we see more ladybirds coming into our homes. This isn't always the best place for a ladybird to hibernate.

In a more natural environment they would sleep through to March or April, but the heating in our homes wakes them up prematurely. If they wake up in the middle of winter and there are no aphids for them to eat they simply starve to death.

If you have the time and patience it's a good idea to move them to an outdoor habitat where they'll remain frost free and where they won't be attacked by predators. A shed or garage will do, or an insect house, which you can buy at most garden centres.

Use a pooter, or a soft artist's paintbrush to coax the ladybirds out of crevices and into a container. You can then transfer them to the insect hotel. If you try to pick them up with your fingers you could squash them or break their limbs.

You may discover that some of the ladybirds in your home are the Asian or Harlequin ladybirds. You might want to consider an alternative relocation strategy for these insects to prevent them eating the native ladybirds.

ahhhh i did wonder.

I love ladybirds xx

we found orange and black ones, in our beds in paris...any ideas?

Not a clue Tayer - would have to have a look on the net and see xx

awhhhhhhh they are cute xx

Interesting wasn't there a song about them

Ladybird ladybird fly away home can't remember rest .

I love them too. You guys call them ladybirds, we call them ladybugs. I wondered if you had them too.

...your house is on fire and your children are gone. was the rest of it jake. Lovely nursery rhymes! How any of us slept at all as kids is beyond me!

love them too. Lovely little creatures.x

i thought that was firefly firefly fly away home....?

Ladybug ladybug fly away home,
Your house in on fire and your children are gone,
All except one and that's little Ann,
For she crept under the frying pan.

Thats the one .x

haha, never even knew there was more than that. Another favourite of mine was 'when the wind changes you'll stick like that!' parents are just cruel! haha