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Two Premier League footballers have called in pest control to exterminate a swarm of STD-riddled ladybirds invading their homes.

Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans and Manchester United defender Phil Jones have both encountered the bugs, which are known as Harlequin ladybirds.

They have spread rapidly up to the north of England after flying across from Asia and North America to find cosy hibernation in people's homes.

Experts say the foreign invaders actually pose a threat to the domestic species because they carry a sexually-transmitted disease called Laboulbeniales fungal disease.

Residents have reported large clusters of the bugs in their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms this week.

And the wives of both players have been forced to call in help to rid the bugs.

Jonny Evans' wife Helen first tweeted to her followers: "Anyone else got ladybirds all over their house?"

(Image: @kellysotherton)

It prompted a response from Phil Jones' wife Kaya, who replied: "Omg had pest control here this afternoon. Will whatsapp you! Also had a fly invasion!"

The creepy-crawlies have been seen clustering around boilers, window frames and smoke detectors as they bed down for witner.

(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke/PA Images)

Scientists say a fungus the creatures carry, which is passed on through mating, will infect our native species which are already under threat from habitat loss.

While they do not yet know if the fungus is harmful, the UK Ladybird Survey says it is possible the disease affects the lifespan or the number of eggs a female can produce over her lifespan.

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