Since stories of the ladybird invasion hit the headlines, we've been inundated with pictures of the interloping insects - as have Kent gardens.

The bugs, which have black wings rather than our common red, are believed to pose a major threat to our native ladybirds because they carry an STD called Laboulbeniales fungal disease.

They are said to be Harlequin ladybirds - a foreign variety flying in from Asian and North America on mild autumn winds.

Kent householders have taken to social media reporting their sudden appearance in their gardens.

Speaking on the Canterbury Residents' Facebook forum, Kristabel Brooks said: "My house is covered in lady bugs!!!

"Is it some sort of mating season?

"There's big black ones with two red spots which are very pretty."

Violet Gibbs said: "We are plagued with them in Herne right now!!! Keep flying into my face."

Michelle Vesey-Wells said she had visited Walmer Castle and they were everywhere, with some flying into her party.

Someone calling herself Joanna Missis Shed said: "We have loads everywhere inside and most are black with 2 red dots."

But Sandra Prosser warned if they are inside they could congregate in a corner and go to sleep until spring, which she dubbed "harmless but stressful".

Have you seen the foreign ladybirds? Send us your images to news@thekmgroup.co.uk