The warm sunshine this morning has awoken dozens of ladybirds who apparently have hibernated in the topmost corners of the windows on the southside of my employer's house. I have spent the longest time this morning gently catching them and putting them outside, but will they survive at this time of year?
My employer doesn't really like the idea of them hibernating in her bedroom, so a little forward planning might be a good idea.......any suggestions on how we could persuade them into alternative quarters come hibernation time later this year?
And advice would be appreciated.
It should be warm enough for them today, they may return to hibernation though. Not sure how you could deter them without knowing how they are getting in, but you could always try a ladybird house for next winter with some attractant to try and get them to go there rather than inside. You could also try moving them out to the house when they arrive before they actually start hibernating and hope they take up residence in the ladybird house instead.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
There's all sorts of info on building insect homes avaialble on our website here.
Thank you both so much for your input....I'll be sure to read the info you mentioned, Lloyd......and will take your advice on board as well, KatTai.