Overwintering Pests

Overwintering pests can be found in many American states. These pests cannot tolerate cold temperatures. As a result, they’re going to invade homes in late fall. Doing so allows them to stay away from the snow, frost, and cold temperatures.

Various Overwintering Pests

There are a handful of pests that fit into the overwintering pest category. Some of them will be explored in greater depth below.

Boxelder Bugs

During the summer months, Boxelder Bugs tend to be minor pests. They’re problematic because they can damage the plants in your garden. These overwintering pests consume the seeds of maple trees and boxelder trees. They shouldn’t be a major problem during the summer months. However, they’ll become a serious nuisance in winter because they’ll try to take shelter in your home. Since they’re only half an inch, they can slip through the smallest gaps and holes. They’re black with red markings.

Although their presence is concerning, they’re not dangerous. They do not sting or bite. As a result, they cannot transmit illnesses to people or pets. Plus, they’re not going to damage your home. Don’t crush these pests because boxelder bugs will release a foul odor and stain the surface.

Lady Bugs

Ladybugs fit into this category. They’re also referred to as Asian lady beetles. They will attempt to enter structures in late fall because they do not want to get stuck outside in the cold weather. Although they’re not dangerous, some species will nip your fingers. If you crush them, your house will develop a foul odor. Try to find a gentler way to remove them from your home. Otherwise, they’ll turn your home into a stinky mess.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies tend to stay outside when possible. They begin life as a parasite in an earthworm. Once they emerge as larvae, they’ll spend the rest of their life outside. However, it is important to note that these pests do not want to get caught outside in cold weather. They likely won’t survive. As a result, they’re going to invade your home. When staying outside, cluster flies will hide behind loose tree bark or wood planks. They’ll also try to enter homes, stores, and other structures. They’re called cluster flies because they’ll cluster together.

When your area gets warm, there is a good chance that you’re going to find cluster flies in your home. If you do, you likely had an overwintering pest problem. Unfortunately, you’ll need to clean up the mess and prepare to keep them out next winter.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

Leaf-footed pine seed bugs are one of the largest members of the overwintering pest category. They’re problematic for several reasons, including their size and reproductive behaviors. In general, they can produce on generate every year. These dull-brown overwintering pests are roughly three-quarters of an inch in length. When living outside, they consume the seeds of pine cones. When it gets cold, adult leaf-footed pine seed bugs will seek shelter. In many cases, they’re going to hide under the bark of certain trees, including conifer and pine trees.

However, they may decide to sneak into your home as well. They’ll be impossible to ignore because they’re so large. Despite their size, they can sneak through small gaps and holes in exterior walls. Once they’ve found a way inside, they’re going to stay there until it gets hot outside. Then, they’ll go outside.  They will emerge in groups so they’re going to scare you. Although they’re a nuisance, they’re not going to sting or bite. They won’t damage your home or belongings either, but you will need to clean up their mess.

Stink Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug is another common overwintering pest in our area. They’re roughly half an inch and have a unique shape that resembles a shield. They’re brown and marmorated so they have a marble pattern. These pests came from Asia and were first discovered in Pennsylvania. Since then, stink bugs have expanded across the United States. These pests are problematic during each season. In summer and spring, they’re going to stay outside and consume fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vegetable crops. If not deal with, they could destroy a field of crops during the summer months.

During winter, they’ll find ways to stay away from the cold weather. They may enter residential dwellings. They can also invade businesses, offices, and other structures. Brown marmorated stink bugs will appear during spring as they attempt to leave your home. You have to be careful when trying to get rid of them. If you scare or crush them, they’re going to leave a stinky odor. Vacuum them up before placing them in a plastic bag. Ultimately, this is the easiest way to deal with a small infestation.

Common Overwintering Pest Signs

Overwintering pests are often difficult to identify because they hide exceptionally well. Overwintering pests are usually found in spring or when it gets a bit warmer outside. You may turn your HVAC a bit higher than usual. If this happens, the pests will believe it is warmer than normal outside. As a result, they’ll think it is a good idea to leave your home. If this happens, you’re going to find a lot of overwintering pests in your home. They can enter through small gaps before taking shelter throughout your home. If you find them in your home, remember that they’re trying to go back outside. Some could get confused and go deeper into the home. If you’ve found overwintering pests in your home, it is time to call an exterminator.

Our professional technicians can help you get rid of them promptly.

Preventing Overwintering Pests

Be cautious and take steps to keep overwintering pests out of your home. Do that to ensure that these pests won’t turn your life upside down. These pests try to invade homes during the late fall. Properly sealing the exterior walls of your home can make a huge difference.

Carefully inspect your home’s exterior walls while looking for gaps, cracks, and holes. If you find any of these, fill them in immediately. You’ll also want to use the tips below to protect your home.

Small Entry Points

Make sure that you’ve blocked all small entry points. For instance, you should seal small gaps and holes around your home. Properly sealing the home’s exterior walls will decrease the likelihood that overwintering pests, spiders, roaches, and other pests invade your home.

Install A Protective Exterior Barrier

Team up with an exterminator to install a protective exterior barrier around your home. A professional will use industrial-strength products to create the barrier. As a result, these products will last longer and provide more reliable, consistent results. Rely on a professional’s services because their products will be stronger and more reliable.

What To Seal

Bricks/Mortar

You may find small gaps where the bricks are linked with mortar. Certain pests will be able to slip through this small crack. Therefore, sealing the crack with sealant is recommended. Doing so will keep these pests out.

Window Frame

Your window frame may have small gaps or cracks. In most cases, the gap will be found at the bottom of the window frame. It needs to be sealed with caulk to keep pests out. Otherwise, small pests are going to enter the home through this gap.

Fascia Board & Clapboard

The clapboard is not even. Instead, it has an uneven surface. As a result, it will leave a small gap where it meets the fascia. Seal these gaps using caulk to avoid problems.

Vents

Don’t forget to check the vents in your attic. The vents need to be backed by a protective screen. If the screen is ripped or torn, it needs to be replaced. If you don’t fix it, bugs and bats will be able to slip through and enter your attic.

Openings For Utilities

Your utility lines have to enter your home at some point. You need to make sure that the utilities are properly sealed. Pests can slip through the smallest gaps. They may find small gaps around vents, cables, and pipes. Grab your used pot scrubber and stuff it into the hole. Doing so is an excellent way to solve the problem. Check all pipes and electrical cables to ensure the holes around them are sealed.

Using The Most Effective Materials

Using the right exclusion materials can help defend your home from overwintering pests. These materials can keep overwintering pests and other pests outside. Just make sure that you’re using the right materials. Otherwise, they’ll enter your home and turn your life upside down.

Caulk And Sealant

Caulk and sealant are good tools for defending your home. If you’re dealing with brick and other surfaces that won’t expand due to temperature changes, caulks are good. Otherwise, you may need to use some type of sealant.

Other Materials To Use

You can also use other materials to protect your home. For instance, you can try using foam insulation, hardware cloth, or old pot scrubbers. Don’t forget to use aluminum screens. These materials work exceptionally well for keeping pests out of your home.

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