Overwintering Pests

Local residents should learn as much as they can about overwintering pests. Pests that fit into this category are unique because they try to invade residential structures in late fall so they can avoid the cold weather. They don’t want to get caught outside in the frigid temperatures. Although they’ll invade residential dwellings, they can also sneak into commercial buildings and hide elsewhere.

What Are Common Overwintering Pests?

Ultimately, there are numerous overwintering pests. Overwintering pests can be found in Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and elsewhere. The most common pantry pests will be explored in greater depth below.

Boxelder Bugs

When it is warm outside, boxelder bugs will stay outside and ruin your garden. They generally feed on the seeds of certain trees, including maple trees and boxelder trees. Before winter arrives, these bugs are going to transform into a nuisance because they’ll try to find refuge in your home. They can hide elsewhere but they often slip through small cracks and into residential buildings. These pests are roughly half an inch. They’re easy to identify because they’re black with unique red marks on their wings.

Their small size allows them to squeeze through small gaps. Thankfully, these pests aren’t dangerous since they won’t bite or transmit serious illnesses. Don’t crush them because they’ll leave a stain and a nasty odor.

Asian Lady Beetles

Multi-colored Asian Lady Bugs or Asian Lady Beetles are common overwintering pests. They look similar to native ladybugs, but they’re much different. They’re overwintering pests so they’re going to try to invade your home before winter. If they can find a way to invade your home, they will. Although they can slip your skin, it doesn’t happen regularly. Plus, these pests will release a foul odor when they’re crushed.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies prefer being outside. They spend most of their days outside until it gets cold. When the temperatures drop, cluster flies need to find a place to hire. These pests often hide behind loose tree bark or wood planks. When doing so, they cluster together to ensure that they can stay warm. They’ll cluster in your home too. When these pests decide to leave, they’ll leave in large groups. You won’t be able to ignore them since you’ll see so many of them together. As the name implies, they always cluster together. When they leave, it is time to clean up the mess.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

Leaf-footed pine seed bugs are larger than most overwintering pests. These overwintering pests produce a new generation every year. They grow up to three-quarters of an inch and are dull brown. During the summer months, these pests stay outside and feed on pine cones as well as their seeds. Before the cold winter months arrive, leaf-footed pine seed bugs will attempt to find warm places to hide. In some cases, they’re going to hide under the bark of trees. Alternatively, they may attempt to sneak into your home. They can do so by slipping through small gaps and gaps.

They’ll notice when the surroundings begin warming. When this happens, the leaf-footed pine seed bugs will notice and they’ll return outside. Despite their large size, these pantry pests can enter through small crevices. Therefore, it is a good idea to properly seal your home to keep these pests out.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs are often referred to as stink bugs. They’re overwintering pests that can be found across the United States. They’re going to be found in your area. These pests attempt to enter residential dwellings when it gets cold outside. When it is warm, they’re going to remain outside and feed on crops. These pests can take shelter in dwellings and commercial structures before winter arrives. Then, they’re going to stay put until the pests realize it is warm outside. One of the best ways to deal with the problem is by using a vacuum cleaner. Use it to suck up the stink bugs before disposing of them away from your home.

Signs You Have An Overwintering Pest Problem

Our clients need to learn how to identify a potential overwintering pest problem. Learning how to spot the signs can make it easier to deal with the problem when it arrives. Unfortunately, most people won’t realize that they have a problem until the overwintering pests decide to leave your home. When they do this, you’re going to see them in large numbers. In some cases, they’ll go deeper into the home as they attempt to escape. Again, you can use a vacuum to suck them up and get rid of them. Ultimately, this is one of the best ways to tackle the problem.

Avoiding Future Overwintering Pest Invasions

Our company is here to help you eliminate overwintering pest infestations. Besides using our services, you’ll also want to protect your home from overwintering pests. One of the best ways to do that is by blocking any entry points. Block gaps, cracks, and holes. Below, you’ll find more advice for keeping overwintering pests out of your home.

Screens, Gaps, & Small Openings

You need to identify and eliminate small entry points. If you can seal these gaps and cracks, you can keep these pests out of your home. Do this and you’ll have a better chance of keeping your home free of pests throughout the year.

Exterior Barrier Services

Our company offers protective exterior barrier treatments. We recommend this service because it can make a huge difference. Our protective barrier treatment will prevent pests from approaching your home. We use industrial-strength products to defend your home. These long-lasting products can keep pests away for many, many months. These products have a longer lifespan than what you’ll find with the alternatives. Call us to learn more about our protective exterior barrier treatments.

Pest Entry Points

Make sure that you focus on sealing all of the entry points mentioned below.

Bricks/Mortar Joints

You’re likely going to find small gaps where the bricks meet the mortar. At the top, there will be a small gap because the mortar is shorter than the brick. Overwintering pests will be able to climb through these gaps and invade your home. Although you can close these gaps using other techniques, it is best to use a sealant. Doing so will help ensure that overwintering pests cannot enter your home using this entry point.

Under Your Window Frames

When searching your home for pest entry points, pay close attention to your window frames. You’ll likely find a large gap under the window frame. Remember that pests can slip through this gap easily. It is pertinent to seal this gap to prevent overwintering pests from sneaking into your home. Caulk and seal the gap.

Fascia Boards On Top Of Wooden Clapboard

You’ll likely find gaps due to the uneven surface of your home’s clapboard. The gaps can be filled with a good caulk. However, it is easier to fill it with a foam insulating cord.

Vents In Soffit

You need to check the vents in the attic and soffit. These vents should be covered by a screen. If the screen is damaged or ripped, it needs to be replaced. Certain pests will be able to slip through these gaps. Replace the screen to avoid issues.

Pipes & Cords

Make sure that you check the spot where utility lines enter your home. For instance, you should check where vents, cables, and pipes enter the residence. You might find small gaps here and there. It is pertinent to deal with these gaps immediately. Otherwise, certain overwintering pests will slip through the gaps and invade your home. Thankfully, there are several ways to seal these gaps. For instance, you’ll want to try using an older pot scrubber. You can squeeze it and push it into the gap. Once you’ve done that, overwintering pests won’t be able to slip through these gaps.

Materials To Use

It is essential to use the right materials to keep pests out of your home. Use the advice below to ensure that you’re using the best materials.

Exclusion Materials

You’ll want to defend your home using exclusion materials. These products are designed to prevent pests from entering your home. Exclusion materials are effective pest-proofing products that will make a difference. Although they’re great for keeping overwintering pests out, they’re going to stop other pests as well.

Caulks & Sealant

You need to make sure that you’re using caulk or sealant depending on the situation. Certain materials aren’t going to move when the temperatures change. If this is what you’re dealing with, use a high-quality caulk. You should use a sealant when you’re dealing with surfaces that will change depending on the current temperatures.

Other Materials

Finally, you should know that there are other exclusion materials to use. For instance, you’ll want to use foam insulation. It is flexible and reliable. It can be used to fill long gaps. Other materials to use include aluminum screens, hardware cloth, and pot scrubbers. When using the latter, use old pot scrubbers because they’re more flexible.

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