Fall Pest Control
Once the temperature starts to drop certain pests look for a warmer dryer place to dwell, thus moving into man-made structures. These pests are also known as “occasional invaders” and they typically will only enter structures to escape colder weather. Most of these pests are unable to survive inside a structure for long periods of time so they find a warm place to overwinter and some even hibernate. The following are the most commonly encountered here in Connecticut.
- Halyomorpha halys): The brown marmorated stink bug start entering structures in late summer and early fall. Stink bugs enter the home via soffits, eaves, siding, windows, doors, vents, and fireplaces. To help reduce these home invaders from entering your home you can remove foliage next to the home, turn off any exterior perimeter lights in the evening, move any potted plants and flowers away from the house, and better seal your windows, doors, and other structural openings.
- (Coccinellidae): The ladybug will enter your home through small cracks around windows, doorways and under clap boards. Ladybugs want to hibernate in a warm, comfortable spot through the winter months. Ladybugs gather in groups to hibernate, so if you see one, you can be sure more will follow. The best way to prevent ladybugs from entering is to repair damaged clap boards, screens, doors and caulk any small cracks or openings.
- (Harmonia axyridis): The Asian pumpkin bug spends the winter indoors. Asian pumpkin bugs can be a pest all winter long and if disturbed they will release a yellow, smelly substance from their joints known as “reflex bleeding”. This reflex is a defensive mechanism to help defend itself from predators. Prevention is to caulk cracks and crevices around doors, windows, pipes, and replace or repair damaged clap boards. Once overwintering in a home Asian pumpkin bugs typically return year after year, knowing this was a good site to rest. Pheromones released by them are detected by future generations.
- (Boisea trivittata): Boxelder bugs make their homes in box elder, maple and ash trees during warm seasons and enter buildings and homes to find shelter for winter. Boxelder bugs enter through small cracks and crevices, and remain inside to hibernate through fall and winter. They do not feed or reproduce while overwintering. If possible, remove their nesting trees from around your home. If you decide to plant box elder trees in your yard, choose male trees since female box elder trees are more susceptible to infestation. Boxelder bugs enter through windows and doors; so sealing windows and doors can help to keep box elder bugs from getting into your home.
Oh the weather outside is frightful, the fire is so delightful, and since these bugs have no place to go, they decide to come into your home. 😊
