Overwintering Pests

Residents of our city are likely going to encounter overwintering pests because they regularly create problems in our area. Since they need to avoid cold temperatures, they’re going to enter your home and remain there. They’ll hide in your home until the cold temperatures are gone.

Common Overwintering Pests

It is pertinent to learn more about the most common overwintering pests in your area. There are many so learn as much as you can about them.

Box Elder Bugs

The boxelder bug is a problematic garden pest during warm weather. They’ll remain outside and feed on the seeds of certain trees including boxelder trees. They usually won’t bother people around this time, but they will during winter. When it gets cold, these pests are going to struggle to sneak into your home. They’re only half an inch in length so they can slip through the smallest holes. Suffice to say, it is going to be difficult to keep them out. Thankfully, they’re not dangerous.

Lady Bugs

You’ll also encounter multi-colored Asian lady bugs. They’re different than ordinary ladybugs. They try to invade residences when the cold temperatures arrive. They’ll attempt to stay there until spring comes. From time to time, ladybugs will nip a person’s skin. The good news is that they’re not strong enough to hurt you and they won’t spread illnesses.

Cluster Flies

In nature, cluster flies want to remain outside. They’ll spend most of their lives outside. They’ll start life as a parasite in an earthworm. As they emerge as larvae, they’re going to spend their remaining days outside. However, it is important to remember that cluster flies do not like cold weather. As the name suggests, these pests are going to cluster. They’ll group together in your home and leave as a large group. Don’t be surprised when a large group of them leave your home at once.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

These pests are larger than other overwintering pests in our area. Adults often reach three-quarters of an inch and they’re dull brown. When it is hot outside, they’ll stay outside and consume pinecones and seeds. When it gets cold, the leaf-footed pine seed bugs around your property will enter your home to take shelter. Many adults will try to hide behind tree bark. When this isn’t possible, they’ll sneak into your home. Despite their large size, these pests can easily slip through small holes and openings. When their shelter is warmed by the sun or HVAC unit, they’ll try to go outside.

Their size is going to frighten you. Rest assured knowing these pests aren’t dangerous.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs are only half an inch in length. They’re called brown marmorated stink bugs because they have a marbled pattern on their body. They’re called stink bugs because they’re going to release a foul odor in your home. It is pertinent to do something to remove these pests from your home as quickly as possible. Again, they’ll leave your home when the temperatures rise. You can wait for them to leave or eliminate them.

When it is hot outside, the brown marmorated stink bugs are going to remain outside and destroy crops. Using a vacuum is a good way to get rid of them.

Common Signs Of Overwintering Pest Infestations

It is vital to learn how to identify overwintering pest infestations. It might seem easy, but it isn’t. If you want to find out quickly, it is a good idea to increase the temperature of your heating and cooling system. Doing so will make your home warmer. Once this happens, the pests will be ready to leave your home. After you’ve done this, you’ll find a lot of stink bugs, cluster flies, or ladybugs in your home. Remember that they’re trying to leave. Guide them in the right direction and you’ll be okay.

Otherwise, you’ll need to search your home from top to bottom to find them.

Preventing Overwintering Pests From Entering Your Home

You should do everything you can to keep overwintering pests out of your home. Doing so will make a huge difference because the pests won’t be able to sneak inside. To achieve this goal, you should start by using caulks and sealants to prevent them from sneaking into your home. Although you can defend your home, it is not realistic to think you can stop all pests from invading. Some overwintering pests are going to find a way to enter your home regardless. Still, it is a good idea to use the tips below to keep them out.

Dealing With Small Gaps Around Your Home

Check your home for small entry points. Overwintering pests can use any small gaps to enter your home. It is pertinent to seal these small gaps using a high-quality caulk or sealant.

Sign Up For Our Protective Exterior Barrier Treatment

Sign up for our protective exterior barrier treatments. The service works great for keeping these pests away from your home. It requires our technicians to install a protective barrier around your home. The barrier is invisible yet effective for keeping pests away from your home. Although you can try DIY methods, they cannot compete with our industrial-strength products. Call our office so we can install a protective barrier around your home right away.

Where to Look For Small Gaps & Entry Points

Be sure to look long and hard for small gaps around your home. Check the following spots too.

Bricks/Mortar

First, you should check the spots around your bricks and mortar. You’ll find small gaps near the top of the mortar. It is pertinent to block these gaps because small pests are going to enter through this hole. Check around the siding or molding. The gap needs to be sealed. It is a good idea to seal the gap using a sealant. Do so and you can guarantee that pests won’t be able to enter using these gaps.

Window Frame Gaps

Window frames may have gaps around them too. It is pertinent to check the bottom part of the window frame because it likely has a small gap. You will need to caulk this gap to prevent spiders and other pests from slipping through.

Around Your Clapboard

You’ll also need to check around your home’s clapboard. You’ll likely find gaps here due to the uneven surface of the clapboard. You could seal the gap using caulk, but it is best to use a foam insulating cord. Use it to stuff the gap and you’ll be okay.

Vents Around Attics And Soffit

You’re going to find vents around your soffit and attic. Therefore, you need to check these vents. They might have damaged screens. If the screen is broken or damaged, it needs to be replaced. Otherwise, pests are going to enter through these gaps. Replace the screen to keep pests out of your home.

Pipe & Cable Openings

Begin searching the spots where your cables and pipes enter your home. There could be small holes around these things. If there is, you’ll need to fill in these gaps right away. It is pertinent to do something about this right away. Although you can use other materials, it is wise to use an old pot scrubber. You can easily squeeze the item into the hole and push it in there. Be sure to use an old one because it’ll be more flexible and easier to work with.

The best and most convenient way to keep these pests out of your home is by taking advantage of our services. Call our office and we’ll do our best to resolve the problem for you.

Which Materials You Should Use

It is vital to make sure that you’re using the right materials. Choosing the wrong materials will lead to big problems. Exclusion materials can help since they’re going to seal all gaps, holes, and cracks. Use these materials to defend your home from overwintering pests. Sealing your outer walls will ensure that your home remains free of pests throughout the year.

Right Materials

Be sure to use the right material. Two of the best materials to use are caulk and sealants. Caulk is best for bricks and other materials that won’t experience movement. If the material will expand due to temperature changes, switch to a high-quality sealant.

Other Materials

You’ll also need to use a handful of other materials including those listed below.

• Use a strip of foam insulation to fill long gaps. You can try using spray foam, but it is harder to deal with it.
• If you have vents, they need to be protected by an aluminum screen.
• Fill gaps using hardware cloth. It works great for filling in most holes and gaps.
• Use an old pot scrubber to fill in gaps around cables and pipes.

Call a professional so they can deal with the overwintering pests promptly.

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