The cold weather and bright colors of fall are on their way. This cool fall weather is the perfect excuse to curl up with a cozy blanket and a good book or your favorite tv show. Before you curl up on the couch, but sure you’ve prepared your home for the invasion of overwintering pests.

Fall is the time of year where a variety of overwintering pests will begin invading your home in preparation for the colder winter months. Many times, these pests enter your home unnoticed, emerging in the warmer spring weather to reveal a significant pest infestation.

There are a variety of overwintering pests to look out for including the more significant ones such as:

•       Brown marmorated stink bug

•       Cluster Flies

•       Western conifer seed bugs

•       Boxelder bugs

•       Multi-colored Asian ladybugs

Pests such as western conifer seed bugs and stink bugs give off a foul odor and can stain housing materials such as curtains, linens, and walls. Other pests, like the multi-colored Asian ladybug, pose a risk to the health of your house aggravating asthma and causing allergic reactions.

Tips for Controlling Overwintering Pests

The first step in overwintering pest control is to perform a thorough inspection of your home to locate all possible pest entry points. Be sure to pay close attention to areas such as exterior light fixtures with gaps that could serve as an entry point for overwintering pests. Keep in mind, any of the items you have attached to the exterior of your home can serve as a hiding place for pest and help them gain entry to your home.

Once these entry points have been determined, other steps to take include:

•   Seal up all entry points such as cracks and crevices around trim, doors, and windows, with a quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.

•   Fill in any holes around exterior utilities with steel wool.

•   Repair any torn or damaged screen in windows and doors

•   Install door sweeps on the entry doors of your home.

•   Install screens in all exterior vents as well as attic vents.

Professional Pest Control Services to Keep Your Home Pest Free

Another effective treatment for overwintering pests are insecticidal dusts. These dusts should be applied to openings around exterior light fixtures, any unsealed gaps, and to all unsealed entry points around the home. Pest control professionals will also focus on areas such behind shutters and areas where indoor light is visible to insects outside who may be attracted to the light.

If you suspect that you have an invasion, a pest control professional will use their expertise to evaluate your home and will recommend a treatment plan to get rid of the pests and help keep them away. Don’t let overwintering pest take over your home, contact your local pest control service provider today!