As the UK endures its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures climbing above 30°C for several consecutive days, many have sought relief on the nation’s beaches. However, in the coastal town of Weston-super-Mare, a well-known destination boasting one of the UK’s largest natural sandy beaches, beachgoers encountered an unusual and unsettling sight—an almost deserted shoreline.
Known for its long, expansive sandy beach along the Bristol Channel and classic seaside charm, Weston-super-Mare typically attracts large crowds during warm, sunny days. Its broad promenade, complete with seating, is also a favorite for those who prefer to stay sand-free. Yet despite the ideal beach weather, locals and visitors stayed away.
The reason soon became clear to Lauren Whitman, a mother who shared her surprising experience on TikTok after noticing the empty beach. Filming the quiet shoreline under the blazing sun, she captioned her video, “Wondering why the beach is so empty in 30+ degree sunshine.”
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Upon visiting the spot, Lauren discovered an overwhelming swarm of ladybirds covering her family. Her three-year-old son was soon covered with the tiny insects crawling over his t-shirt. Nearby, hundreds of ladybirds flew around a white building adjacent to the beach. Lauren also showed them crawling over her arm and tummy, and on her partner’s bare back.
“Never experienced anything like it,” Lauren wrote, capturing the unusual infestation in her viral video which has since been viewed over 1.7 million times in just two days.
Reactions poured in from viewers, many sharing their own experiences and fears. “I am absolutely petrified of ladybirds. I think I’d pass away,” one commented. Another noted the frequency of these swarms, likening it to the well-known “flying ant day.” One viewer was surprised to learn that ladybirds can even bite, while another mentioned similar sightings in Formby, describing the sea as “a ladybird graveyard.”
Across the UK, ladybird swarms have become a common nuisance this year. Though they can be bothersome in such large numbers, these infestations are temporary. Importantly, despite their abundance and unsettling presence, ladybirds are harmless to humans, according to experts at PestUK.