Warning to Aussies after baffling garden discovery Covered in them
Aussies are finding their gardens swarmed with soldier beetles, prompting experts to advise leaving them alone as they play a vital role in the ecosystem
Melbourne, Australia, Soldier Beetles, Insects, Gardens
Melbourne: Lately, folks in Australia have been waking up to a strange sight in their gardens. It seems like little critters are taking over, with lawns and even homes covered in these tiny insects.
One guy from Melbourne even posted on Facebook, asking if anyone else was dealing with this “plague” outside their house. He noticed they were nesting in gumtrees nearby.
He mentioned there were about five or six trees in his street just swarming with them. Photos shared online showed hundreds of small black and yellow winged insects hanging out at the base of a big tree. Turns out, they’re soldier beetles, and experts say it’s best to just leave them alone.
Nicole Gunter, an insect expert, explained that these soldier beetles are pretty common this time of year as they gather to mate. They usually hang out in gardens but can sometimes sneak inside if windows are left open. After mating, they’ll disperse.
People across the country are noticing similar swarms in their backyards. One person shared that they had a similar experience right before Christmas, and their pest control guy said they usually clear out on their own in a week or two.
Another person chimed in, saying they had them last year, and they only stuck around for a few weeks before moving on. While some folks find the sight a bit “yukky” or “gross,” others pointed out that these beetles are harmless and should just be left alone.
Dr. Tom White, an entomologist from Sydney University, confirmed that these beetles are actually beneficial for gardens. They’re native to Australia and help with pollination while their larvae munch on pesky insects, making them a win-win for gardeners.
He also mentioned that these beetles are “chemically defended,” meaning they’re not tasty to predators like lizards and birds, but they’re perfectly safe for humans. So, if you spot a gathering of these little guys, just enjoy the show and let them be.
Interestingly, cruise ship passengers on P&O’s Pacific Encounter recently faced a similar situation, discovering a bunch of these beetles all over their furniture and drinking glasses. Talk about an unexpected holiday surprise!
If you love Australia’s unique wildlife, don’t forget to check out our new newsletter featuring the week’s best stories!