The Harlequin Ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) is not native to the UK but was introduced to other European countries where they were used in large greenhouses to predate on aphids. Originally from the Far East once they came to Europe they soon found their way into the Belgium countryside in 2001 and by 2005 had established themselves as a species in the United Kingdom. The harlequin ladybird has a negative impact on our own species of ladybirds as they will eat their larvae and compete for food.

In Autumn the large numbers of harlequin ladybirds gathering on the side of buildings and inside the window seals can be very distressing for residents and throughout the more mild winter days the ladybirds can emerge inside the warmer buildings causing further worries and concerns.