Table of Contents
Quickly Identifying Overwintering Pests
In the United States, there are many overwintering pests. If a pest overwinters, it enters homes to shelter during the winter months. These pests are going to use your attic and wall voids to stay warm during the winter.
Which Pests Overwinter?
When it comes down to it, numerous pests overwinter. Below, you’ll learn more about some of the most common overwintering pests in Richmond.
Box Elder Bugs
This minor garden pest won’t create too many issues during the spring and summer. Around this time, it will eat the seeds of maple trees and box elder trees. When winter arrives, it is going to create several problems. It’ll try to sneak into your home and stay there until winter passes. Boxelder bugs are half an inch in length with black and red marks. Thanks to their compact size, they can easily squeeze through small cracks and crevices. Don’t crush them because they’ll release a terrible odor in your home.
Asian Lady Beetles
Virginia homeowners also have to worry about Asian Lady Beetles. They’re one of the most common overwintering pests as well. Some can bite, but most won’t pose a risk to humans. These beetles will try to sneak into your home during the winter months and stay there until it gets warm. Once again, they shouldn’t be crushed because they’ll release a bad odor.
Cluster Flies
While cluster flies prefer being outside, they’ll try to enter homes and other buildings during the winter months. Alternatively, they’ll try to hide behind loose tree bark. The cluster in the name tells you something about the behavior of this fly. They cluster together, so they’re going to create an unsightly mess when spring arrives.
Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs
Leaf-footed Pine Seed Bugs are one of the largest overwintering pests you’ll have to worry about. In addition to this, they can create more problems than the others because they’ll produce a new generation each year. Adults each 3/4” and more are dull brown. During the warm months, they consume pine cones and seeds. When it gets cold, they’re going to try to sneak into buildings. They prefer hiding under bark but will hide in buildings too. When their hiding spot is warmed by the weather or HVAC equipment, they’ll emerge.
Their large stature can frighten you. The good news is that pine seed bugs do not bite or cause damage to your property. Nevertheless, you’ll need to clean up their mess.
Stink Bugs
Finally, you’ll need to worry about Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. These bugs are new to the United States, but they’re more problematic than many other overwintering pests. These bugs came from Asia and quickly created problems for Americans. Now, they’re found in many states, including Virginia. During the summer, they’ll stay outside and eat vegetable crops, ornamental plants, and fruit trees. If gardeners and farmers aren’t careful, stink bugs will ruin their entire crop.
When the colder months arrive, stink bugs will find a way to enter homes and other structures. Their large size means they’re impossible to ignore. Furthermore, they’ll release a bad odor when stressed. To get rid of them, grab your vacuum and suck them up. Be ready to cover your nose because they’ll release a stinky odor.
Signs of Overwintering Pest Infestations
Are you concerned that you have an overwintering pest problem? There is only one way to find out. Contact our company and take advantage of our inspection services. We know where overwintering pests hide, so we’ll be able to detect their presence rapidly. If we find overwintering pests in your home, we’ll put together a plan to get rid of them rapidly. If they enter your home, you may need to wait until spring and summer to identify the problem. They will remain hidden in the warmth until they’re ready to leave. Be ready to look for them when the spring months arrive.
If they’re inside at this time, they’re likely trying to return outside. You know you have an overwintering problem, and you’ll have another problem next year. Call us so we can help you compile a plan to keep the overwintering pests away.
Preventing Overwintering Pests
Are you worried that overwintering pests are hiding in your home? They could be. Our company offers reliable overwintering pest inspections. We can help you identify the pests and get rid of them rapidly. However, it is best to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. To do that, you’ll want to use the tips provided below.
Seal All Gaps & Small Entry Points
- Seal all entry points around windows, doors, and elsewhere
- Eliminating small entry points will help keep your home free of pests.
Try A Protection Barrier Treatment
- Using a residual protection exterior barrier treatment can help keep overwintering pests away.
- Industrial-strength chemicals are used to stop these pests from approaching your property.
- Since they’re industrial-strength, these products last much longer than over-the-counter products.
Entry Points To Worry About
Joints In Bricks & Mortar
You’ll likely have gaps between bricks and mortar. It is pertinent to seal these gaps, or bugs will slip through. These gaps need to be sealed using caulk or sealant. Take this step, and you’ll be able to prevent bugs from entering your home.
Window Frames
Be sure to check out the area around your window frames. Many window frames have been properly caulked around the top and sides to keep water from entering. However, the bottom might be left untreated. If this is the case, bugs will easily be able to enter your home. Stop this from happening by sealing the gaps using caulk.
Fascia
You also need to check the gaps around your fascia and wooden clapboards. There will be gaps where the two boards meet. While you could use caulk to fill the gaps, it is best to use insulating cord foam. Sealing the cracks stops overwintering pests from entering your home and staying there during the winter.
Attic Vents
Soffit and attic vents need to be protected with screens. Furthermore, the screens need to be in excellent condition. They shouldn’t have any cracks, tears, or gaps. If they have holes, bugs will squeeze through them. Replace damaged screens immediately.
Utilities
Utilities need to enter your home somewhere. For instance, your internet cable will enter your home from outside. If the hole has not been properly sealed, bugs will be able to enter the utility hole. It is pertinent to seal this crack to stop bugs in their tracks. You can stuff gaps using caulk, pot scrubbers, and other products. If you are having trouble keeping overwintering pests outside of your home, call us. We provide Richmond residents with free inspection services.
If we find overwintering pests in your home, we’ll find ways to get rid of them. Our skilled exterminator will work with you to find a way to get rid of the bugs and keep them away.
What To Use To Seal Your Gaps
Using Appropriate Exclusion Materials
Materials used to stop prevents from entering your home are referred to as exclusion materials. They’re often available as pest-proofing products. They can help homeowners top overwintering pests and other bests. They also prevent pests from entering your home throughout the year. When trying to protect your home from pests, it is pertinent to choose the right materials for the surfaces you’re working with.
Materials & Surfaces
Remember to use the right material for the surface in question. If the surface isn’t going to see any movement, caulk will be fine. If the joint will expand due to temperature changes, it is a good idea to use sealant.
More Materials At Your Disposal
You’ll also have several other materials at your disposal, with the first being foam insulation. This flexible foam can help stuff and seal long gaps. While foam spray is helpful, it is challenging to move in the future. The aluminum screen is affordable, effective, and capable of delivering long-lasting results. Other materials you’ll want to use to stop overwintering pests, including hardware cloth and pot scrubbers.
If you have any other pest control issues, please check out other services.