🌸 Why Ladybirds Have Boomed in Bedford Gardens This Spring & Summer

If you've stepped into your garden recently and noticed a sudden burst of red-and-black dots crawling over your plants, fence panels, or even the washing line—you're not alone. Bedford, like much of the UK, has experienced a huge rise in ladybird numbers this summer. But why is it happening, and is it a good thing for your garden?

A Perfect Summer for Ladybirds

The answer lies in a combination of weather patterns and nature’s timing. This year, we’ve had a mild winter followed by a warm, dry spring and early summer. These conditions are ideal for aphids—tiny plant-sucking pests that ladybirds love to eat. With more aphids around than usual, ladybirds have had a reliable and plentiful food source, allowing their populations to explode.

Fast Life Cycles and More Generations

When the weather is warm, insects like ladybirds develop faster. They go from egg to adult in just a few weeks, meaning that several generations can hatch and grow in a single summer. The ladybirds you’re seeing now might be the grandchildren of those that emerged from hibernation in early spring. And with food still readily available, they’ll keep breeding until the cooler weather slows them down.

Winter Helped Too

The boom didn’t start this summer—it actually started last winter. Because temperatures didn’t drop too low, more ladybirds survived through to spring than in harsher years. This gave the population a strong head start, especially when they emerged into gardens full of aphids to feast on.

Not Just a Bedford Thing

Although it's especially noticeable in Bedford, this isn’t just a local trend. Across the UK, people have been reporting unusually high numbers of ladybirds. At one cricket match in London, play was briefly interrupted due to swarms of them on the pitch! It’s being called the biggest ladybird boom since the famous “ladybird summer” of 1976.

Are They a Problem?

Absolutely not. Ladybirds are one of the most helpful garden insects you can have around. A single ladybird can eat up to 60 aphids a day, reducing pest problems without the need for chemical sprays. They’re harmless to humans, pets, and plants, and they play an important role in the health of your garden’s ecosystem.

If you’re seeing a lot of them, take it as a sign your garden is alive and well.

How to Make Your Garden Ladybird-Friendly

If you’d like to support ladybirds (and other beneficial insects), here are a few simple tips:

• Leave some aphids on certain plants like roses or nasturtiums to give them a food source.

• Avoid insecticides—these don’t just kill pests but can also harm helpful insects like ladybirds.

• Provide shallow dishes of water, especially during hot spells, to keep them hydrated.

• Plant insect-friendly flowers and herbs like dill, fennel, marigolds, or alyssum to give them shelter and nectar.

Creating a ladybird-friendly space not only helps the insects but also keeps your garden naturally balanced and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

While the sudden swarm of ladybirds might have taken some people by surprise, it’s actually a positive sign for gardeners and nature lovers alike. It shows that natural pest control is thriving, and that your garden is part of a larger, healthy ecosystem.

At The Garden Handyman Service, we love working in harmony with nature. Whether you're looking to make your garden more wildlife-friendly, reduce pest issues naturally, or simply keep it tidy and thriving year-round, we're here to help.