Overwintering Pests

In our area, some pests do not like cold weather. When it gets cold, they’ll try to sneak into commercial and residential structures. These pests are called overwintering pests, and they’ll leave your home when it gets hot outside. They can hide in your attic, kitchen, bathroom, and elsewhere.

Which Pests Overwinter In Philly?

Philly is home to several overwintering pests. Some of the most common include boxelder bugs, ladybugs, and stink bugs.

Boxelder Bugs

The boxelder bug is a well-known garden pest in warm weather. They stay outside and consume the seeds of maple and boxelder trees. Before winter arrives, they’ll become a nuisance as they try to sneak into your home. They’re only half an inch so they can easily slip through the smallest cracks and gaps. Although they’ll become an annoyance, they’re not dangerous. Be gentle when getting rid of them because they’ll release a nasty odor when they’re crushed.

Asian Lady Beetles

The Asian lady beetle looks like the native ladybug, but it has a few unique characteristics. For instance, this pest is going to enter your home to stay warm. Again, they’re not dangerous but they will release a foul odor when crushed.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are large flies that primarily stay outside. However, they do not like cold weather so they’re going to enter dwellings, stores, and restaurants when it gets cold. As the name implies, cluster flies tend to group together. They usually don’t travel alone. When they decide to leave your home, you’re going to find twenty, fifty, or a hundred of them. The sight will undoubtedly frighten you. Just remember that they’re not dangerous.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

The leaf-footed pine seed bug is one of the biggest overwintering pests in our area. They’re three-quarters of an inch in lengthy and capable of producing a new generation annually. They’re dull-brown and feed on pinecones. When the cold temperatures arrive, these bugs are going to sneak into your home. Despite their small size, they can easily slip through small cracks and holes. Besides entering residential structures, they’ll also hide behind loose tree bark. They’ll leave in large numbers and give you a scare. They’re not dangerous so you don’t need to worry about that.

Clean up the mess they’ve left and stop them from entering next time.

Stink Bugs

Finally, you may encounter stink bugs. During adulthood, the largest stink bugs can reach half an inch. These bugs got their name because they’ll release a nasty odor when they’re crushed or scared. Therefore, you need to find a clever, gentle way to eliminate the pests. During warm weather, stink bugs remain outside and feed on crops and trees. As soon as the temperatures drop, they’ll begin looking for ways to enter residential structures. Using a vacuum to suck them up is a good solution.

Signs Of Overwintering Pests In Your Home

Since overwintering pests hide exceptionally well, it isn’t always easy to identify an infestation. You may not realize you have a problem until it gets hot, and they try to leave. These pests tend to hide very well. Plus, they’re going to stay put until the cold temperatures pass. Once this happens, they’ll try to go outside. They can enter through small cracks anywhere in the home and stay there until the temperature rise. You’ll likely find out that you have a problem when you find a handful of ladybugs, cluster flies, boxelder bugs, or stink bugs trying to leave your home.

Preventing Invasions Of Overwintering Pests

One of the best ways to deal with overwintering pests is by preventing them from entering your home. You know they’re coming this fall. Therefore, you should begin defending your home by sealing your exterior walls. Pinpoint any small gaps and seal them right away. Once you’ve done this, it’ll be much harder for overwintering pests to find a way to sneak inside.

Look For Small Holes

First, you need to search your exterior walls for small gaps and holes. You’ll find small gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and elsewhere. Block these entry points to prevent these pests from finding a way inside.

Pay For A Protective Exterior Barrier Treatment

Talk to your exterminator about exterior barrier treatments. The expert will spray an industrial-strength product around your property’s perimeter. The product is designed to keep overwintering pests and other pests away from your home. Rely on a professional’s services because they’ll last longer and deliver better results.

Where To Look for Small Entry Points

Mortar Between Bricks

It is essential to check for small gaps around bricks. Check the top of the mortar since there will a small gap where it meets the molding or siding. Although the gap is small, it is big enough to let overwintering pests inside. The easiest way to seal the gap is by using a sealant.

Under Your Window Frame

Check for small gaps under your window frame. In general, window frames are caulked on the top and sides, but the bottom is not touched. Overwintering pests can climb up and enter through this small gap. Stop that from happening by sealing the gap with caulk.

Fascia Boards And Clapboard

Since the clapboard on your exterior wall has an uneven surface, it is going to create a small gap. Each board will have a small gap near the side. Seal the gap using a foam insulating cord.

Vents Around Attics

Your attic likely has vents to improve ventilation. Although they’re pertinent, they can create problems. If the vent’s screen isn’t in good condition, it will let bugs enter your home. If there are any rips or tears, it is best to replace the screen.

Openings Around Utilities

You’ll also need to check for small gaps around pipes, vents, cables, and other openings. Overwintering pests can easily enter through small gaps and holes. If there are small gaps around your pipes, these pests will enter through the small gaps. Although there are other solutions, it is best to fill the gap using an old pot scrubber. Squeeze it and force it into the small hole. Doing so is more effective than using caulk or another material.

Even if you take these steps, there is a risk that overwintering pests are going to enter your home. Call us for an inspection. We’ll help you find out how to take steps to keep these pests out. If they’re already in your home, we’ll get rid of them for you.

Materials To Use To Defend Your Home

Don’t forget that you can use exclusion materials to defend your home from overwintering pests. These materials are designed to stop overwintering pests from entering your home. Although they’ll block overwintering pests, they’ll stop other pests as well. They will work around the year to ensure that you maintain a pest-free home.

Caulks & Sealants

You’ll need to choose either caulk or sealant. Which is best? If the surface won’t move due to temperature changes, use caulk. Otherwise, use a sealant.

Other Materials To Use

You’ll also need to use a handful of other materials.

• Use foam insulation to fill long gaps. Avoid the spray foam because it is harder to clean up.
• Block certain gaps using aluminum screening.
• Hardware cloth can help you block certain entry points.
• Pot scrubbers work great for filling small holes.

Call us when you need help.

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