Residents around southwestern Connecticut say thousands of ladybugs have been swarming their homes and neighborhoods as fall brings cooler temperatures.

Experts say when the temperature fluctuates between warm and cool, ladybugs seek shelter in preparation for the winter. Andy Eckman, who works at Keller True Value Hardware, says inspect sprays will kill the ladybugs, but most people prefer to vacuum them up and release them outdoors.

Insect experts say the bugs are harmless and once inside homes and buildings, they usually die quickly because of the dry air.