Mum finds popular beach deserted during heatwave before making grim discovery

Countless families have flocked to coastal destinations during the recent scorching weather. Lounging on golden sands, taking refreshing dips in the sea and savouring a chilled ice cream are some of the ideal ways to embrace the year's warmest period. Yet, not every seaside excursion proves as picture-perfect as initially anticipated. One mother discovered this harsh reality during her recent trip to Weston-super-Mare.

Weston-super-Mare is a coastal resort situated in North Somerset. The destination is renowned for its expansive sandy shoreline, dramatic tidal movements and panoramic vistas stretching towards South Wales. Key attractions encompass the Grand Pier, boasting fairground rides, amusements and live entertainment.

READ MORE: Get 30% off menopause supplements for bloating women 'wish they'd found sooner'

Visitors can also explore Weston Beach, Marine Lake and even a local museum for those seeking cultural enrichment. The resort typically heaves with visitors during summer months – yet stood eerily deserted recently due to a plague of creepy crawlies.

Many remained unaware of this situation, including mum Lauren Whitman, who turned to TikTok to express her bewilderment at discovering the barren beach on such a glorious day, reports Devon Live.

"Wondering why the beach is so empty in 30+ degree sunshine," she captioned her footage whilst recording the seemingly abandoned coastline.

The family then ventured onto the beach themselves, quickly uncovering the mystery behind the absence of other visitors. Her video subsequently showed Lauren's three year old son becoming smothered in ladybirds that were crawling across his T-shirt.

The tiny creatures proceeded to engulf the entire family – swarming over Lauren's arm and even her partner's exposed back. Appalled, the mum exclaimed: "Never experienced anything like it." The clip has racked up over 1.7 million views in just two days – with viewers flocking to the comments to voice their reactions.

One user commented: "I am absolutely petrified of ladybirds. I think I'd pass away." Another chimed in: "This year there are sooooo many ladybirds. I keep saying it feels like flying ant day all the time with all the swarms! It's sooo gross! ! !".

Ladybird invasions at coastal areas typically result from a mix of migration patterns, meteorological factors, and their quest for hydration.

Wind currents can transport vast numbers of these beetles to shorelines, where they may briefly congregate in masses before continuing their journey. They certainly don't contribute to an enjoyable seaside excursion.