Why you might see more ladybirds around the house this month

With temperatures outside beginning to lower as we enter the winter months, the little critters will be trying to seek out somewhere much warmer to live - including our homes.

The month of October is, according to the experts, the start of hibernation season for ladybirds — and could be the reason the little red insects can be seen everywhere as they look for somewhere to snuggle up.

The red and black critters are completely harmless and experts do recommend leaving them alone if you happen to find them in your house.

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They are likely to 'overwinter' in a dormant state in or around your home during winter – then fly away in spring to find food and mate.

Ladybirds are also known to eat plant-eating insects such as aphids – helping to protect crops and making them a vital component of the garden ecosystem.

Here are a few more quick facts about them ...

• The scientific name for a ladybird is 'Coccinellidae septempunctata'
• Their lifespan (in wild) is round one year (two years maximum)
• Average body length is up to 1cm
• The ladybird's natural habitats are; grasslands, forests, cities, suburbs and along rivers.
• There are about 5,000 different species of ladybirds in the world.
• Most ladybirds have oval, dome-shaped bodies with six short legs.
• Depending on the species, they can have spots, stripes or no markings at all.