Gary Lineker ambushed by ‘swarms of foreign ladybirds which carry with them STDS that could devastate local species’
FOOTBALL star Gary Lineker says he has been 'attacked' by a swarm of ladybirds - thought to be a foreign pest carrying STDs that could wipe out native species.
The sports presenter said he was ambushed by the bugs as experts warn the insects have invaded the UK from North America and Asia.
The former England striker tweeted: "Just been attacked by loads (don't know the collective noun) of Ladybirds. They are all over me. This is not a fantasy."
His tweet appeared just days after experts warned the insects carry sexual diseases that can be passed on through intercourse.
The 55-year-old was soon warned by fans about the STD infected critters.
One wrote: "Are you sure it was ladybirds? Sounds more like harlequin ladybirds, their nasty cousins. Feel free to kill them."
Another said: "they are possibly harlequin ladybirds" before adding in a separate tweet, "numbers are high at the moment but this time of year when ladybirds group together to shelter for winter".
While another quipped about the dangerous bugs: "Watch out, the number of spots on a ladybird indicates the number of people it's killed in prison."
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The bugs carry the Laboulbeniales - a fungal disease that thrives amongst strong insect communities during the mild autumn months.
Scientists and experts have warned of millions of ladybirds riddled with the devastating STD winging their way to Britain.
The harlequins - which have black wings and red spots - are believed to be reaching British shores by hitching a lift on the warm southerly winds which have brought us an incredibly mild autumn.
The invaders also carry a toxin stronger any of the 47 types of ladybird native to the UK and have also been known to eat to rivals.
A spokesman for the Buglife Centre in Devon, said: “Large gatherings of them can give off a chemical smell.
“As winter is drawing in, the ladybirds are seeking sheltered spots to hibernate away from the cold.
“They particularly like houses and outbuildings and have a habit of gathering together in suitable areas.
“This influx of ladybirds in houses will be occurring across much of the UK, but people may not be used to this since the Harlequin has only been in the country since 2004.
“Although you may notice many different coloured ladybirds, they are all the same variable species.
“It is best to remove the ladybirds humanely if you can using a glass and card.”
Since the first arrival of Harlequins in 2004, our local two-spotted ladybird population has declined as much as 30 per cent.
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