In many regions of Germany, ladybirds invade homes en masse in autumn. The Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) in particular seeks sheltered places to hibernate and finds its way inside through the smallest cracks, roller shutter boxes or leaky windows. According to the Federal Environment Agency, these animals are considered beneficial. Although they are not under special protection, they may not be controlled or killed without good reason. Asian ladybirds have more black spots than native species, and their colours range from yellow to dark red. According to Nabu, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union, they were introduced in the 1980s to destroy pests. As they reproduce faster than native species, they are beginning to displace them.
In most cases, tenants have to come to terms with the beetles. Although there are court rulings that allow a rent reduction due to pest infestation in the flat, this only applies to real pests such as cockroaches. From a practical point of view, calmness is the best strategy. Ladybirds are neither harmful nor dangerous. Individual insects can be easily caught with glass and paper and placed outside. To prevent more beetles from coming in, it is advisable to carefully seal joints, window frames and roller shutter boxes and to install insect screens. Natural remedies such as lavender, bay leaves or vanilla scent can also have a deterrent effect, according to Bayerischer Rundfunk, for example.
In the long term, it helps to provide the beetles with suitable winter quarters outside, such as piles of leaves or small stone walls. This way, they stay where they belong—outside in nature.
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