Overwintering Pests

Overwintering pests are common across our area. Remember that these pests are interested in entering your home in late fall so they can remain away from the cold temperatures. Your home is the perfect hiding place for them. Once the area’s temperatures increase, the bugs will be eager to go back outside.

Overwintering Pests You’ll Encounter

You’re going to encounter a handful of overwintering pests. It is a good idea to learn more about them, so you’ll know how to handle the problem.

Box Elder Bugs

Our area is regularly home to box elder bugs. In general, the box elder bug remains outside and feeds on boxelder trees. Its behavior will change immensely when the temperatures begin dropping. Once this happens, the pest will attempt to enter your home. If they can sneak inside, they’re going to take refuge in your home until the temperature increase. Boxelder bugs are only half an inch in length allowing them to enter a home through the smallest holes. While they’re not physically dangerous to locals, boxelder bugs will become a nuisance.

Call us and let our techs get rid of them for you.

Asian Ladybugs

Asian ladybugs are overwintering pests as well. As soon as it gets cold, these bugs are going to search for a way to enter nearby buildings. Certain types of ladybugs can bite people. They’ll nip your skin. They’re not strong enough to hurt you or make you bleed. Don’t crush a ladybug because they’ll turn your home into a smelly mess.

Cluster Flies

The cluster fly can be found in our area. While these flies prefer staying outside, they cannot tolerate cold temperatures. As soon as the larvae emerge from its earthworm host, the pest is going to begin living outside. Before winter arrives, the cluster flies around your home will try to sneak inside. They can also hide behind loose planks and tree bark. Remember that cluster flies are called cluster flies for a reason. They tend to cluster together. When they leave your home, they’ll do so in large numbers. Don’t fear since these pests aren’t dangerous.

Pine Seed Bugs

You’ll likely encounter leaf-footed pine seed bugs too. It is one of the biggest overwintering pests in our area. These pests regularly reach three-quarters of an inch. During the warm months, they’re going to leave you alone. Instead, they’ll stay outside and consume pinecones. Before it gets cold, the leaf-footed pine seed bugs in your area will try to enter nearby buildings. Besides hiding behind tree bark, they’ll also enter residential and commercial structures. When your home is warmed, the pine seed bugs will be ready to go outside.

A large group of them will be ready to leave your home. Don’t freak out. Remember that these pests are trying to leave your home. Once they’ve left, clean up the mess and move on.

Stink Bugs

Finally, the stink bug is another common overwintering pest in our area. It is only half an inch in length and has a distinct back shaped liked a shield. Stink bugs are from Asia. They’ve been living in the United States since the mid-1990s when the first stink bugs were found in Pennsylvania. Since then, these garden pests have quickly spread across the country. They can be found in most states and Canada. You’ll likely find them in your area.

Rest assured knowing the stink bug in our area is not dangerous. Still, it will create a problem when living in your residence. Suck them up with your vacuum to remove them from your dwelling.

Identifying Overwintering Pest Invasions

It is essential to learn how to identify invasions of overwintering pests. If you can do this, you’ll be ready to combat the problem much sooner. When stink bugs enter a residence or store, they’re going to stay put. They’ll enter the residence before finding a place to hide. Once this happens, they’re not going anywhere until the temperatures increase. One of the best ways to identify the problem is by increasing your home’s temperature. Raise the HVAC temperature. Once you’ve done that, the bugs will think it is warm outside, so they’ll try to leave your home.

If you find many stink bugs in your home after doing this, call our office.

How To Prevent Overwintering Pests

Before these enter your home, it is a good idea to take steps to keep them out. If you can keep these pests out, you won’t have to deal with the headache. Still, it isn’t easy. Overwintering pests are difficult to stop. They can’t survive outside when it is cold. Therefore, they’re going to do whatever it takes to invade nearby buildings. Try using the tips below to keep these pests out of your home. Just remember that they might find a way inside anyway. If they do, we’ll be here waiting to help.

Check For Small Openings

Be sure to check for small openings around your home. Check around windows, doors, pipes, and elsewhere. If you find any tiny gaps on your outer walls, be sure to block them right away. Use caulk or sealant to prevent overwintering pests from entering here.

Use Our Protective Barrier Treatment

Professional exterminators offer protective exterior barrier treatments. These methods are highly recommended because they work well for keeping overwintering pests away from your home. Our services depend on industrial-strength products. Therefore, you can guarantee that they’re going to deliver satisfactory results. Stay away from DIY alternatives because they’re less reliable.

Where To Look For Overwintering Pest Entry Points

Overwintering pests can find small gaps on your outer walls. Once they’ve done this, they’re going to enter your home. Check around the following spots and seal any gaps you find.

Bricks

Be sure to check around your bricks. At the top of the mortar, you may find a gap where the bricks meet the molding. The gap is normally above the mortar. Overwintering pests can enter your home through this tiny gap. You can keep them out by sealing the gap using a sealant.

Around Window Frames

Don’t forget to check around your window frames. During the installation process, most professionals seal the top and sides of window frames. In general, they’ll leave the bottom portion of the frame untouched. Check your window frame to see if there is a gap down there. If there is, seal the gap.

End Of Your Clapboard

The clapboards on your outer walls have uneven surfaces. Unfortunately, this is going to create small gaps around the clapboard and fascia. You’ll need to seal these gaps right away. It is a good idea to use some type of foam insulating cord to prevent them from entering your residence using these gaps.

Vent Covers

You might have vents in your attic. If so, you have to remember that the vent should be covered by a durable screen. It is vital to ensure that the vent’s cover is in excellent condition. Otherwise, it might have small rips and tears. If it does, it will offer limited protection. Replace the cover to avoid problems.

Openings Around Utilities

You may find small holes around pipes and cables. Check where these things enter your home. There could be small gaps around both. If you find gaps here, make sure you seal them promptly. Seal the gap using an old pot scrubber. Doing so will prevent overwintering pests around your home from invading. Using an old scrubber will make it easier to work with.

Remember that these pests might enter your home regardless. If they do, call us. Our technicians are ready to help. We’ll work swiftly to resolve the problem.

Materials That Can Help

Be sure to use the best materials for the job. Exclusion materials are designed to keep these pests and other pests out of your residence. When installed correctly, you’ll be able to keep your home free of pests throughout the year. Use the materials below to keep pests out.

Caulks Or Sealant

Depending on the situation, you may need to use caulk or sealant. When the surface will change due to the temperatures in your area, use a sealant. Otherwise, caulk will be a better solution.

Using Other Materials

• Don’t forget to use foam insulation because it can stop pests from entering long gaps. Don’t use the spray type because it is hard to work with.
• Aluminum screens can help. They should be installed on vents.
• Use hardware cloth to properly seal small gaps around your home.
• Finally, use a pot scrubber to seal small gaps.

If you’re dealing with overwintering pests, it is a good idea to stop them from entering your home. Use pest-proofing materials to keep them out. Contact us when you find them in your home.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.