As the weather cools down, a few unwelcome guests might be trying to sneak into your home to spend the winter with you. These pests can wriggle through tiny gaps, cracks, and crevices you might not even notice, making them tricky to get rid of once they’re inside. They’ll hibernate during the colder months, only to emerge in spring, ready to make their presence known again. Taking care of them now will prevent an infestation later.
Meet the Usual Suspects
The pests you might be dealing with include:
What To Look For:
Gathering in Numbers
Many overwintering pests will gather in large numbers on and around buildings during Autumn. They can be found huddled in cracks on surfaces and under siding, searching for warmth and shelter. If there is a way inside your home, they will find it.
The Nose Knows
Some overwintering pests, like Asian lady beetles, stink bugs, and western conifer seed bugs, can emit odors when disturbed or threatened.
Asian Lady Beetles will release a yellow, foul-smelling secretion when threatened. The odor is often described as acrid, putrid, and moldy. This substance can also stain fabric.
Stink bugs, as the name suggests, also have a distinctive odor. Cilantro and rotten meat are some of the most common notes people use to describe the scent, which can last for several hours. This smell is released when they are squished and can attract even more stink bugs. Your best bet is to put them outside or vacuum them up.
Western Conifer Seed Bugs are a distant cousin of stink bugs, and the same rules apply. If squished, they release a super strong, pine-y smell.
You Find The Bodies
If you’re finding dead bugs around the inside of your home, it could mean there is a population of live ones hiding somewhere you can’t see.
Simple Steps to Prevent Pests
Here are some easy ways to prevent these pests from setting up camp in your home:
- Seal Entry Points: Ensure doors and windows have tight seals, especially on South and West-facing sides of the house.
- Repair Screens: Fix any holes in your window and door screens.
- Seal Cracks: Fill any cracks or gaps on the exterior of your home.
- Vacuum Regularly: Clean up dead pests to avoid attracting new ones.
Not a DIY enthusiast? No problem! Let the experts at Modern take care of your pest control needs. Our experienced technicians will assess your home, identify entry points, and provide effective solutions to keep pests out for good. Trust us to handle the hard work, so you can enjoy a pest-free winter!