UK households urged to put lemon or orange by their window

UK households have been urged to keep orange and lemon peels next to their windows this month. Even though the advice may seem strange, there is method to the madness. Many Brits will have noticed ladybirds swarming their homes this month as colder temperatures push the spotted insects inside.

Winter is tough for ladybirds, so as the weather cools, they begin to search for a hibernation spot until they can re-emerge in spring to mate and lay eggs. The pretty beetles seek shelter in protected spots like tree cavities and in dense vegetation, but they can also hibernate in cracks in window frames and walls, where they huddle together for warmth as they enter the dormant state called diapause.

This means some homes will have seen a number of ladybirds flying around as the temperature plummets.

According to Max Barclay, Senior Curator of Beetles at the Natural History Museum, a number of ladybird species hibernate in large clusters.

He said that harlequin ladybirds would probably have hibernated ancestrally in clusters in caves, hollow trees, and other sheltered places. However, in the absence of these, they may try and gain entrance to your home.

While they are harmless to humans, if homeowners would prefer to keep the beetles out of the house, they have been recommended a simple and natural repellent to help fend them off.

Chris Hutton, owner of Adams Selfstore, recommended the cheap and natural method to place fresh orange or lemon peels near entry points, windows, doors, and vents.

He said: "Ladybirds hate the strong smell of citrus and a great source of this smell is their peels," reports the Manchester Evening News.

"Placing fresh peels near windows and doors will deter ladybirds from entering and avoid any food waste or the use of harmful chemicals."

Alternatively, the Natural History Museum recommended making sure your doors and windows are fully sealed and insulated.