Fall is right around the corner, which means temperatures are cooling and some insects are gearing up for their version of hibernation, called overwintering. Homes are especially attractive to a few species for some of the same reasons you love yours: they are warm, safe, and cozy! Insects looking to overwinter may seek out snug, often unnoticed places like attics, wall voids, and vents. These insects may go a whole season unnoticed in a structure, or you may see one or two crawling around or gathering in groups inside. Either way, these winter houseguests were not invited and are pests. Understanding how these insects enter structures and where they choose to hide can help homeowners effectively prevent infestations before they become a problem and you can keep bugs out of your home.
Common Overwintering Pests
Before we dive into strategies for preventing overwintering pests, it’s crucial to first recognize which pests are likely to invade our homes. Identifying these pests allows us to address the problem effectively and take targeted action to keep them at bay. By understanding their habits and preferred hiding spots, we can better prepare ourselves to tackle infestations before they take hold. Let’s look at some common overwintering pests that may try to enter our homes.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB)
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are invasive insects that were accidentally introduced to the United States in the 1990s. These shield-like insects are brown in color with characteristic light and dark bands on the end of their body. They feed on over 200 plant species and can cause some significant crop damage. In the fall, BMSB will look for openings to enter buildings for the winter, often breaking into older structures. Like their name, BMSB can give off a nasty odor when disturbed.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs also have a shield-like body but are black with red lines forming an upside-down “V” on their back. These pests feed on ash and maple trees before they attempt to enter structures. If you have an ash or maple in your yard, you may likely have boxelder bugs trying to enter your home this fall!
Cluster Flies
Not to be mistaken with its smaller counterpart, the House Fly, Cluster Flies are large, gray-colored flies that commonly buzz around in groups near windows (earning them their name). They are attracted to light, including that from the sun or lightbulbs. Cluster Fly young feed on earthworms, so adults usually enter structures surrounded by lawns with a healthy worm population!
Asian and Domestic Lady Beetles
The Asian Lady Beetle is an invasive species of ladybug that was introduced to the United States to help control aphid populations in the 1900s. After feasting on aphids in the summer (and in turn protecting plants), Asian Lady Beetles will look for warm places to overwinter in large numbers. They can have from zero to 19 spots on their body, but you can identify them by a black and white “M” or “W” shape near their head. Or an “E” or “3” shape depending on how you look at it 🙂
The Asian Lady Beetle’s native counterpart, the Domestic Ladybug or Lady Beetle, can also become a pest issue as they overwinter. These ladybugs typically have 7 spots, with two white “eye” spots near their head where the Asian Lady Beetle identifier would be. Both insects secrete a foul-smelling, yellow liquid when they feel threatened.
Overwintering Pest Myths
Using pesticides to control overwintering pests is your best bet.
Treating these insects with pesticides as they enter structures may cause more harm than good. Insects that die inside wall voids give off foul odors and might attract even more pests.
Overwintering pests will eat your food.
Like other animals that hibernate, insects prepare to overwinter by eating! They often show up to structures already full and will not feed further on any materials inside.
Overwintering pests will damage structures.
Overwintering pests will not damage structures! The most damage that these insects can cause are stains on light surfaces from feces or being crushed.
Overwintering pests will reproduce and multiply in your home.
Just like any other hibernating animal, these insects need to conserve their energy to make it through winter. Lucky for us, this means that overwintering pests aren’t doing much if they make it inside. During the cold months, overwintering insects do not reproduce whatsoever and don’t grow, as they are already adults!
How to Prevent Overwintering Pests in the Fall
As fall arrives, taking proactive steps this month to prevent pests from entering can save you from headaches as temperatures drop. First and most importantly, start by inspecting your home with a watchful eye and sealing any possible entry points. By removing these tiny entrances, overwintering insects won’t be able to get into your structure.
Entry points for overwintering pests can include:
- Cracks or gaps around windows, doors, or foundations
- Holes in window, door or vent screens
- Holes/cracks around electrical outlets or switchboxes
- Gaps/cracks where utility lines or water spigots enter your structure
- Gaps/cracks where any materials meet (brick, siding, carpeting, flooring)
Remove clutter from both inside and outside your home, as pests often use these areas for shelter. Ensure that your home’s drainage systems are functioning properly to avoid creating moisture-rich environments that attract pests. Additionally, store firewood and other outdoor materials away from the house to discourage pests from seeking refuge nearby. Pay extra attention to the South and West sides of your structure, as those areas receive the largest amounts of sunlight. Before attempting to break in, overwintering pests will sometimes gather on these sides of buildings to soak up those last rays of sunlight.
If you come across an insect invader inside your structure, no need to panic! One of the best ways to take care of these pests is to actually vacuum them up! This action eliminates these insects quickly and effectively and involves a cleaning tool nearly everyone has in their closet. Don’t forget to remove the vacuum bag or clean out the filter after, though. Once insects are vacuumed, they may be able to escape.
By controlling pests mechanically through moving items, sealing cracks, and vacuuming, YOU as a homeowner are participating in environmentally friendly IPM (Integrated Pest Management), exactly what we stand for as a GreenPro company.
