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Swarms of ladybirds are invading homes across the UK and now experts are urging people to leave out the peel of one fruit in order to deter them. Ladybirds won't do any harm to your house, but you still want them out in your garden, chowing down on pests like aphids and greenfly, instead of getting stuck on your windowsill or wandering around on your kitchen tables.

The cooler weather is believed to be behind the explosion in ladybird numbers at this time of year, as the shiny red insects start to head indoors as temperatures drop, seeking shelter from the harsher winter conditions ahead. If you keep finding ladybirds making their way into your house and leaving little blobs of pollen on windowsills and on walls, there's a natural deterrent that keeps them at bay - lemon peel.

Ladybirds hate the smell of citrus fruits, and orange peel can also work, though lemon is stronger.

Owner of Adams Selfstore, Chris Hutton, said: "The rise in aphids caused by this year's warm spell has led to a sharp increase in ladybirds. They follow their food into our homes and storage spaces, especially as nights get cooler.

"But there's a simple, natural way to keep ladybirds at bay, and most people will already have one or two sitting in their homes, citrus fruits.

"Ladybirds hate the strong smell of citrus and a great source of this smell is their peels. Placing fresh peels near windows and doors will deter ladybirds from entering and avoid any food waste or the use of harmful chemicals.

"Using citrus peel is a safe, effective, and eco-friendly way to stop ladybirds invading your home or storage unit. It's a simple fix anyone can try."

To keep the hack working, you should replace the peels regularly, and also block up any gaps around doors and windows to try to keep them at bay.

Ladybirds are really good for your garden, though, as they will eat pests.

Nick Wood, horticulture expert from online garden centre Gardening Express said: "Ladybirds are one of the best natural pest control methods we have in the UK.

"Inviting them to your garden will help reduce the need for chemical sprays, protect your plants and support local wildlife at the same time.

"Creating a bug-friendly garden doesn't mean letting it go wild - small changes like planting the right flowers or leaving a log pile can make a big difference."