Overwintering Pests

Living in this area means that you may encounter overwintering pests at some point. When the cold weather approaches, overwintering pests attempt to enter residential structures. It is important to learn more about them so you’ll know how to deal with a problem when it occurs.

Types Of Overwintering Pests

There are numerous overwintering pests in our area.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs tend to be one of the most common pests in our area. When you crush them, they’re going to leave a foul odor. Plus, they’ll stain your floor. These pests are black with red marks on their wings. They have thin, black legs. They’re roughly half an inch so they can easily squeeze through small gaps.

Asian Lady Beetles

You’re going to encounter Asian Lady Beetles too. These pests look like native ladybugs, but they can nip. They won’t cause you to bleed, but they will nip your skin. These pests can release a foul odor when they get crushed. Vacuuming them up is one of the best ways to get rid of them.

Cluster Flies

As the name implies, cluster flies like clustering together. They rarely travel alone. These pests prefer being outside until it gets cold. When the temperatures drop, these pests will attempt to find shelter. In many cases, they’ll enter Cincinnati residences. They can hide behind tree bark as well. When the temperatures begin to warm, cluster flies are going to learn their hiding places in large groups. You’ll find a lot of them around your home. Clean up the mess and make sure they can’t get inside next year.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

These large overwintering pests grow up to three-quarters of an inch. They can produce a new generation annually. They’re long, dull brown, and difficult to ignore. Adult leaf-footed pine seed bugs are going to seek shelter when the cold temperatures arrive. In many cases, they’ll hide in homes and offices. If they can find a small gap in your exterior wall, they’ll slip through. Their large size will likely frighten you. Just remember that they’re not dangerous.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs are common in Cincinnati. They’re roughly half an inch in length and have a back that is shaped like a shield. These pests are native to Asia but have been in the United States since the mid-1990s. Since they invaded, they’ve spread across the country rapidly. Today, they’re found in most American states. These pests prefer staying outside and consuming crops. However, they will attempt to enter your home before winter. Don’t crush these pests because doing so will cause them to release a nasty odor.

Overwintering Pest Signs

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to identify an overwintering pest invasion. You likely won’t realize that you have a problem until the pests try to leave. If you find many ladybugs or stink bugs in your home at the beginning of spring, you likely had a problem. They’ll leave on their own, but you’ll want to make sure that they can’t get inside next year.

Preventing Overwintering Pest Invasions

It won’t be easy to keep these pests out of your home. However, you can try. With that being said, you should focus on properly sealing all exterior walls, doors, and windows. By eliminating their entry points, you’ll make it harder for these pests to invade. Use the tips below to achieve this goal.

Sealing Small Gaps & Screen Openings

Check your home for small gaps and seal them immediately. Most overwintering pests are small enough to slip through tiny gaps so fill in all of them.

Barrier Treatments

Talk to a local exterminator about protective exterior barrier treatments. These services can prevent overwintering pests from approaching your property. An exterminator will protect your home using industrial-strength products. Therefore, these products will last longer and work better.

Common Places To Look

Brick Joints

You’ll find small gaps at the top of the brick mortar. Since the brick and mortar are uneven, there will be a small gap where the siding slides over the top of the brick. You can eliminate this gap using a high-quality sealant.

Window Frame Gaps

Don’t forget to seal the small gap under your window frame. If this gap hasn’t been sealed, take care of it using caulk.

Fascia Board & Clapboard

Gaps can be found where the clapboard meets the fascia. It is wise to use a foam insulating cord to block this entry point.

Attic/Soffit Vents

All vents in attics and soffit need to be blocked. They should be protected by a heavy-duty screen. Using a screen is a good way to keep these pests out of your attic.

Utilities

Finally, check the utilities and where they enter your home. Follow pipes and cables to the point where they enter your home. If you find any gaps around these utilities, they should be filled in immediately. Use a pot scrubber since it can be pushed into the hole.

Sealing Your Home With The Best Materials

Make sure that you’re using the right materials to protect your home. Exclusion materials are effective pest-proofing products. They’ll keep overwintering pests out while blocking other problematic pests as well.

Caulk Or Sealant?

If the surface is going to move due to temperature changes, using caulk is recommended. Otherwise, you’ll want to use a sealant.

Other Materials To Use

You’ll also want to use other materials such as foam insulation, aluminum screening, pot scrubbers, and hardware cloth. Block all entry points using these materials to defend your home.

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