Do Ladybirds Hibernate?

Yes, Ladybirds do hibernate for the winter. This of course varies all over the world and the length of time depends on the location and climate. A Ladybird will find a sheltered place perhaps behind loose bark or underneath cluttered matter in the garden and then go into a state of hibernation.

Ladybirds in Winter

As the months become cooler you might notice Ladybirds making their way into your home. This is because they have begun the process of finding somewhere warmer and our homes seem like the ideal place. this actually isn't the case because when we turn our heating on in our homes the concealed Ladybirds think the summer has come and emerge only to find that there is no food to eat, plant or insect life.

If you do find any Ladybirds in your home it is best to carefully place them outside.

The Ladybird hibernation is also known as a state of diapause, and is a very deep form which only broken by the correct conditions in their environment. The temperature that wakes them is about thirteen degrees Celsius, so spring time early summer and this indicates there will be food around for them.

Places Ladybirds can be Found Hibernating

One of the obvious places you can find ladybirds hibernating in is your home. This is because the house is warm and you might find them under floorboards or down the side window frames or in your loft. As the weather warms up they will come out and you can release them from the house. At this stage make sure that your house has been fully protected from ladybird infestations. Find out more about this on the infestations page here.

Other place you might find Ladybirds are in logs, in the hollow stems of plants, under bricks or stones, in warm vegetation, piles of twigs, and basically anywhere which will shelter them from the cold of the winter. Many and if not all of these places will be dry.

Other hibernation facts ladybirds

All Ladybirds that hibernate are adults. In Autumn they will select a site and will remain fairly inactive until the first signs of spring. In Britain the 13 spot, orange, eyed and striped ladybirds have never been recorded hibernating. Where they hibernate is considered to be a mystery.