Overwintering Pests

In our city, our clients are going to encounter many overwintering pests. Several pests fit into this category because they hide away during the winter months. They’ll take shelter behind tree bark, wood planks, and in homes. Your home is a perfect hiding place for overwintering pests.

Common Pests In Overwintering Pests

We’re eager to help our clients. If you’re dealing with an overwintering problem, you might have ladybugs, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, or stink bugs.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are usually not a problem during the warm months. They can damage your garden plants and feed on maple tree seeds. They usually stay out of our client’s homes during the warm months. When it gets cold outside, their behavior is going to change significantly. They’ll begin looking for ways to sneak into residential and commercial structures. They must sneak inside to avoid the snow and frost. Since they’re only half an inch, boxelder bugs are small enough to sneak through small gaps and holes.

Thankfully, these overwintering pests do not bite, transmit illnesses, or damage your property. When they’re crushed, they will release a nasty odor.

Asian Lady Beetles

Asian lady beetles are hard to distinguish from conventional ladybugs. However, their behaviors are much different. Before the cold temperatures come, Asian lady beetles will do whatever they must to sneak into your home. Although they’re harmless, Asian lady beetles can nip your skin. Avoid crushing them because they release a foul odor when crushed.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies normally spend their entire lives outside. They’re different than other flies because they start life as a parasite that lives in earthworms. They’ll begin living outside once they transform into larvae. They do not like cold weather. As a result, they’re going to search for ways to sneak into your home. They can easily slip through small gaps. They’ll also hide behind wood planks and tree bark. As you’ve likely already guessed, cluster flies prefer living in large groups. When they hide in your home, a lot of them will live together. When it gets hot outside, the large group of cluster flies will leave your home.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

Since they’re one of the largest overwintering pests, you won’t be able to ignore leaf-footed pine seed bugs. These overwintering pests will likely scare you. They’re three-quarters of an inch but can easily slip through small cracks. They’re dull brown. When it is hot outside, leaf-footed pine seed bugs will remain outside and consume pinecones. Before cold weather arrives, they’ll find a way to stay warm. They often hide behind pine and conifer tree bark. Alternatively, they can slip through small holes to enter residential and commercial structures. When it gets hot, they’ll be ready to leave. They’ll find them in large groups trying to flee your home.

They’re not dangerous, but you will need to clean up their mess immediately.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Finally, you’ll encounter brown marmorated stink bugs or just stink bugs. During adulthood, brown marmorated stink bugs can reach half an inch in length. They have a back shaped like a shield. Since they have a marbled pattern, they’re called marmorated. They are from Asia and have been living in the United States since the mid-1990s. Today, they can be found across the country in Kansas and other states. When it is hot, they’re going to remain outside and feed on crops. If not dealt with, they can destroy all the plants in your garden.

Once it gets cold, they’ll find a way to enter your home. These pests aren’t dangerous. Don’t step on them because they’ll release a terrible odor when crushed and stressed.

Common Indicators Of Overwintering Pests

In general, overwintering pests hide until they’re ready to leave. When the temperatures rise, these pests are going to leave your home. They only want to be inside when it is cold outside. Your home gives them plenty of viable hiding places. You may not realize that you have overwintering pests in your home until they decide to leave. They can hide in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and elsewhere. They can enter through small holes around doors, windows, electrical cables, and plumbing pipes. If it is hot outside and overwintering pests are in your home, remember they’re trying to go outside. Either way, it is time to call a professional.

Avoiding Future Overwintering Pest Problems

It isn’t easy to stop overwintering pests from invading your home. However, there are things you can do to defend your home from them. You should do everything you can. If you make it harder for them to sneak into your dwelling, you might convince them to go elsewhere. Start by searching your home’s exterior walls. When doing so, you’re likely going to find small gaps and cracks. Begin taking steps to seal these gaps to keep pests out of your dwelling. Remember that this can help you stop overwintering pests and other pests.

Below, you’ll find more tips for preventing overwintering pests from invading your home.

Blocking Small Gaps & Entry Sites

When you find small gaps around your exterior walls, seal them promptly. Blocking these entry points will make it significantly harder for overwintering pests to enter your home. Plus, it’ll increase the likelihood that your home is going to remain pest-free throughout the year.

Sign Up For Protective Barrier Treatments

Don’t forget to sign up for our protective exterior barrier treatments. Our residual exterior barrier treatment can enhance the effectiveness of your exclusion project. We’ll use professional strength products to prevent pests from reaching your home. Therefore, these products will work better and last longer than over-the-counter alternatives. Contact our office to learn more about our protective barrier treatments.

Where To Check For Small Holes

Bricks

If you have bricks for exterior walls, you’re likely going to find gaps near the tops of the mortar. There will be a small gap where the bricks touch the siding. Certain overwintering pests will be able to slip through this gap and access your home. It is vital to seal these gaps to stop overwintering pests from invading your home. For the best results, block their path using a sealant.

Check Around Window Frames

Be sure to check around your window frames. In many cases, window frames aren’t caulked at the bottom. Therefore, you need to caulk the bottom portion of the window to prevent pests from entering. The top and sides should be blocked, but it is a good idea to check them anyway.

Clapboard & Fascia

The clapboard on your home undoubtedly has an uneven surface. As a result, it will create a gap on each end. Again, pests can enter your home using these small gaps. Block this entry point by using a foam insulating cord.

Vents

You must check the vents in your soffit and attic. The vents need to be protected by a screen. If they’re not, you should install a screen immediately. You’ll also need to replace damaged screens. Replace the vents or rats, bugs, and overwintering pests will slip through.

Pipe & Cable Openings

To ensure that you have access to the latest utilities, your home must be connected via pipes and cables. Remember that there will likely be small gaps around these items. You might find a tiny home around your plumbing pipe. If this is the case, you need to fill the hole immediately. Use an old pot scrubber to fill the hole.

Ultimately, there is always a risk that overwintering pests are going to sneak into your home. Be ready for this to happen by writing down our number. We’ll always be here to help.

Materials To Use To Stop Invasions Of Overwintering Pests

It is vital to defend your home using exclusion materials. These products are designed to keep overwintering pests and other pests out of your home. Pest-proofing products can help keep your home free of pests throughout the year. Don’t forget to use the materials mentioned below too.

Caulks & Sealants

It is often wise to defend your home using caulks and sealants. Which one is best? Ultimately, it depends on the surface. If you’re dealing with surfaces that expand due to temperature changes, seal the gap using a sealant. If the surface remains the same throughout the year, use a caulk.

Other Materials To Take Advantage Of

Be sure to use the material below to keep pests out of your dwelling.

• If you need to fill a long gap, try using foam insulation. It is best to stay away from spray foam because it is hard to remove once it has dried.
• You can fill holes of various sizes using aluminum screens.
• When you need to fill other gaps, you can try using hardware cloth. It’ll stand up to the elements and provide years of protection.
• When dealing with small gaps, block the entry point using an old pot scrubber. Squeeze it into the hole to keep the pests out.

Do you need assistance? Call our office so we can begin helping you.

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