THE wettest summer on record has caused huge problems for the balance of Britain's wildlife, according to the British Trust for Ornithology.

Blue tits and other native birds are struggling for survival, says the BTO, while some homes have been invaded by swarms of ladybirds.

Meanwhile, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is urging homeowners to make their gardens more wildlife-friendly to stop the decline of once-common birds such as house sparrows, starlings and song thrushes.

Blue tits and great tits suffered their worst breeding season on record because of the cold, wet summer.

The reed warbler, whitethroat, willow warbler, treecreeper and willow tit also had the lowest number of surviving chicks since the BTO started to record bird numbers 25 years ago.

The young died because they did not have enough feathers to protect them from the heavy downpours, and there was also a shortage of food.

If weather patterns continue to be unpredictable, particularly in spring, and bird numbers fall further, some of these species could be put on "red alert" lists, with special conservation measures required to protect them.

As for the ladybird swarms, these have been Harlequin ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis), also known as the Multicoloured Asian or Halloween ladybird, introduced from the US three years ago.

Its variable appearance can make it difficult to tell apart from native species - although the most common form in the UK is orange with between 15 and 21 black spots, or black with two or four orange or red spots.

They were introduced due to an infestation of aphids, and could also have come into the country on crates.

Bigger and more aggressive than native ladybirds, they cope well in all weathers and habitats - and have been entering homes because of the warm and dry atmosphere.

The BTO is asking people to take part in their ladybird survey - visit bto.org to find out more.

The trust has also come up with 10 tips to encourage birds into gardens.

1: Keep it natural - plant native plants to attract insects that will provide food for birds.

2: Provide cover - bushes and shrubs provide shelter and cover for roosting and ground feeding birds.

3: Plant berry-bearing shrubs and bushes - a number of birds will feed on these during the fruiting season.

4: Lawns are important feeding habitats for a number of garden birds and will add to the variety of birds that visit.

5: Refrain from using chemicals and sprays in the garden.

6: Provide extra food - providing supplementary food throughout the year can help birds through hard times.

7: Provide a wide variety of food to attract a wider range of birds.

8: Provide clean water daily - it's the one thing that all birds that visit a garden will use, both for feeding and bathing.

9: Clean bird feeders mean healthy birds.

10: Put out a nest box - they're important for a number of garden birds.