Harlequin ladybirds have been invading homes up and down the country, with people sharing their photos of the household pests nestling on walls inside their homes on social media.
The bugs, which are reported to have arrived in Britain from Asia, carry an STD called laboulbeniales, which is a form of fungi.
While this can’t be passed on to humans, scientists say the fungus will infect our native species, which are already under threat from habitat loss.
How harmful the fungus is, is not yet known, but what humans are at risk of from the pests is a bite.
If Harlequin ladybirds don’t have any food they are more likely to bite people, according to experts.
This can leave a little bump and sting, and some people may go on to experience a severe allergic reaction to it, like with any insect bite.
All ladybirds can bite, but the Harlequin ladybird is more aggressive and tends to bite more often, according to the NHS.
It adds; “The harlequin ladybird can be red or orange with multiple spots. Look out for a white spot on its head – other ladybirds don’t have these patches.
“Ladybird bites can be painful, but aren’t usually anything to worry about.”
So how can you spot a Harlequin ladybird in the first place?
Max Barclay, senior curator of beetles at the Natural History Museum, says Harlequin ladybirds are pretty distinctive, even though they have lots of colour forms.
On the museum’s website he adds: “You can find different varieties, from orange ones, black one with red spots and more.
“The harlequin ladybirds tend to be around the same size or slightly larger than the more familiar native seven-spot species, and like the seven-spot they also have two white spots on their thorax.”
But whereas native ladybirds are black on the underneath and have black legs, harlequin ladybirds are orange on the underneath and have orange legs, says Max.
The NHS offers general advice for being bitten or stung by insects.
First, you should wash the affected area with soap and water.
Next, apply a cold compress (such as a flannel or clothe cooled with cold water) or an ice pack to any swelling for at least 10 minutes.
Raise or elevate the affected area if possible, as this can help reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching the area or bursting any blisters, to reduce the risk of infection.
Finally, avoid traditional home remedies, such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, as they’re unlikely to help.