Overwintering Pests

Certain pests cannot tolerate cold weather. These pests will likely die if they get stuck outside during cold temperatures. Instead, they’re going to look for shelter. Although they can hide behind the bark of trees, they may want to enter your home. These pests fit into the overwintering pest category. You have to be ready to deal with overwintering pests every year because they’ll attempt to enter your home at the end of every summer. Below, readers will learn more about the most common overwintering pests and solutions.

Overwintering Pests You’ll Encounter

The types of overwintering pests you’ll encounter depends on your location. The most common pests in Bowling Green KY will be explored in greater detail below.

Boxelder Bugs

Locals occasionally have to deal with infestations of boxelder bugs. When they’re stuck outside, they will damage your garden plants. They eat the seeds belonging to maple trees and boxelder trees. Before winter arrives, these pests are going to turn your life upside down. They will scour your home looking for any entry point. Since they’re only half an inch in length, they can slip through the smallest holes and gaps. Unfortunately, this means it is going to be very difficult to keep them out.

Although these bugs will create a mess and become a nuisance, they’re not dangerous or destructive. They shouldn’t damage anything in your home. Be careful about crushing these pests because doing so will release a bad odor in your home. Instead, remove them gently.

Ladybugs Or Asian Lady Beetles

Most people have spotted ladybugs at some point. These pests are everywhere. While most are harmless, some are considered pests in the United States. In particular, these pests are going to target your garden plants. They will eat the leaves and damage the plant. In addition to this, they’re overwintering pests so they’re going to try to enter your home in late summer or fall. Again, you shouldn’t crush these pests because they will release a foul odor.

Be careful about handling them too since some can nip your skin.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

The leaf-footed pine seed bug is likely the biggest overwintering pest in our area. It is common for this pest to reach three-quarters of an inch in length. Another issue is the fact that they’re going to create a new generation every year. Suffice to say, the problem will not get any better unless you do something about it. Adult bugs are going to seek shelter when your city experiences cold temperatures. Most of them will hide behind tree bark, but they can also enter homes using small openings. Once this happens, the bugs are going to remain hidden until the temperatures increase.

Don’t be surprised when you see tons of leaf-footed pine seed bugs emerging from your home. They tend to hide in large groups. Since they’re one of the biggest overwintering pests, their appearance can be concerning. Rest comfortably knowing that these pests are not going to harm you or damage your belongings. However, they are going to make your home uncomfortable and leave a mess behind.

Cluster Flies

Bowling Green KY residents may encounter cluster flies in and around their homes. While they spend most of their lifecycles outside, it is common for cluster flies to seek shelter from cold weather. Its life begins as a parasite in an earthworm. After it transforms into larvae and escapes, it will begin living outside. Once the temperatures in your area drop, you’re likely going to see cluster flies trying to enter your home. They can also cluster on walls and trees to stay warm.

They will hide behind loose wood panels, planks, and tree bark. When the sun comes out, you may spot a handful of cluster flies leaving trees or buildings. Clean up the mess and prepare to prevent them from taking shelter in your home next year.

Stink Bugs Or Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs can reach half an inch in length during adulthood. They have a unique appearance that features a shield-shaped back. They’re brown and have a marmorated pattern. Surprisingly, stink bugs were not native to the United States. Instead, they were only brought to the United States from Asia not long ago. Even so, these pests have quickly become one of the most problematic overwintering pests in our area. With this in mind, you should expect to encounter stink bugs before winter.

During warmer weather, stink bugs will remain outside where they will eat cops, trees, and plants. Gardens and farmers have to go above and beyond to ensure that these pests do not destroy their plants. As the temperatures decrease, stink bugs are going to search for ways to enter your home or business. They are small enough to sneak through the smallest holes. It won’t be easy to keep them out of your residence. They have a durable shell so crushing them will be tough.

You don’t want to do this anyway because it’ll cause the bug to release a hideous smell. Instead, you should use your vacuum to dispose of them.

Signs You’re Dealing With An Overwintering Pest Problem

Overwintering pests are excellent hiders. They can hide in your home for months without you realizing it. You’ll be surprised to find that they’re in your home. Typically, they won’t move until it gets hot outside. Once this happens, the bugs will be eager to return outside to their natural habitats. Most are small enough to slip through small gaps around your doors and windows. Even when you find them inside, you must remember that they want to go outside. They are trying to go outside.

With this in mind, you should try to help them. Use your vacuum to suck them up and take them outside. Alternatively, you can touch some using your hand. Regardless, it is hard to verify an overwintering pest infestation until they’re ready to come out of hiding. When it gets hot, you will have no problem spotting these bugs because they’ll be found in large numbers.

Preventing Invasions Of Overwintering Pests

It may seem easy to prevent overwintering pests from entering your home, but it won’t be. These pests have to find shelter to survive through the cold winter months. If they get stuck outside, they’re going to die. Suffice to say, they’ll do whatever it takes to get inside and protect themselves from the cold weather. Properly sealing your home can help, but there is no guarantee that you’ll be able to keep these pests out.

Even if you leave a small gap, they can use that gap to enter your residence. Regardless, it is wise to fill the gaps mentioned below since it will reduce the likelihood that you’ll encounter an overwintering pest infestation.

Start With Small Gaps & Openings

First, you should begin by fixing small gaps and openings. Even though these gaps are small, overwintering pests can still use them to enter your home. Seal these gaps using pest-proofing materials. Doing so will stop overwintering pests, occasional invaders, and other pests from entering your home.

Install A Protective Exterior Barrier

It may be a good idea to use a protective exterior barrier to keep bugs away from your residence. A professional exterminator will use high-quality materials to create a protective barrier around your home. Once they’ve finished, bugs in your area will be hesitant to cross the barrier so they won’t be able to enter your home.

Although you can buy over-the-counter materials to create a protective barrier around your home, professional products are better.

Where To Check For Entry Points

When attempting to seal your home, be sure to check for the following entry points.

Brick/Mortar Joints

First, you should check the brick-and-mortar joints around your home. Go outside and look near the top of the home where the siding or molding touches the bricks. You may find a small gap between the joints. Bugs can squeeze through this hole and enter your home. Suffice to say, you should seal this gap using a high-quality sealant.

Around Window Frames

When windows are first installed, it is common for the sides to be caulked. The top will always be caulked to prevent water from entering. However, some installers will not caulk the bottom of the window frame. Bugs can enter through this gap. Seal the gap to prevent bugs from entering your residence.

Around The Clapboard

Don’t forget to look for gaps around your home’s wooden clapboard. There will likely be gaps around the fascia board and clapboard because of the uneven surface. While you can use caulk to block this entry point, it is much easier to use foam insulation.

Vents

Remember that your attic has vents to help control humidity. The vents are very important for reducing humidity. Your vents should be protected using a screen. Doing so will prevent bugs from slipping through. If you already have a screen, it needs to be in excellent condition. Replace any screen that has rips or tears.

Openings For Utilities

You’ll also need to look for holes around openings for utilities. For instance, you may find small gaps around cables, pipes, and vents. These gaps must be sealed completely to prevent bugs from entering your home. While there are various ways to resolve this problem, it is best to use old pot scrubbers. Using scrubbers that are already used will make them easier to deal with. They’re more flexible and easier to cram into the hole.

If you find overwintering pests in your home, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re always eager to resolve these problems for our clients.

Materials To Keep Overwintering Pests Out Of Your Home

First, you should start by familiarizing yourself with exclusion materials. These pest-proofing products are very effective for this purpose. They can be used to block gaps on exterior walls. Any material that helps stop pests will fit into this category.

Caulks Or Sealants

You must decide whether to use sealants or caulks. While both are effective, they’re right for different situations. If the joint will remain the same size, you should use a caulk. However, some joint sizes are going to vary based on the weather. If the joints will change in size, be sure to use sealant.

Other Materials That Can Help

Besides the materials mentioned above, be sure to try using the materials below.

• You can use foam insulation to block certain gaps. Spray foam tends to be too difficult to remove. Instead, stick with flexible foam insulation.
• Don’t forget to use aluminum screening. It should be placed over all attics. It can also be condensed and placed over small holes.
• You can use hardware cloth to block certain gaps.
• Used pot scrubbers are great for filling small holes.

When these bugs enter your home, call our office. We’ll resolve this issue for you.

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