MIGRANT LADYBIRDS ATTACK LINEKER!
Pests pick on Gary
FOOTBALL star Gary Lineker has come under attack from foreign ladybirds.
Gary was swarmed by the bugs on Friday, as the critters, known as Harlequins, 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.”
It came days after experts warned the insects carried sexual diseases.
Fans were quick to warn the football pundit about the STD infected bugs, with one saying: “Are you sure it was ladybirds? Sounds more like harlequin ladybirds, their nasty cousins. Feel free to kill them.”
This was the latest attack suffered by the Match Of The Day host.
The 55-year-old was hammered on Twitter for branding anyone who questioned the age of child refugees “hideously racist”.
Mild autumn weather has allowed ladybirds carrying the Laboulbeniales fungal disease to thrive.
And experts warn swarms of the ladybirds can leave behind a revolting stench.
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 LOUISE BERWICK 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.”
Scientists are concerned the fungus, passed on through mating, will destroy native species of ladybirds across the country.
But Steve McGrail, of pest control company Pro Kill Environment, said the Harlequin Ladybirds posed no threat to humans.