covered in insects a bit like ladybirds

Do you mean they are a different colour ladybird to the normal red and black ones ?
If you DO then they are just another type of ladybird and you need do nothing more.

Or post a photo of the beastie concerned...

There are insects called Harlequins that are "foreign" ladybirds that are taking over from the natives. Could be those. A photo would be helpful as Bamboo says.