It’s a Bug’s Life: Wil-Kil Edition

This winter has been one for the books. From the 60-degree days in late February to the large snow storm in March, Midwesterners are certainly on quite the weather roller coaster. However, we aren’t the only ones experiencing this crazy weather.

Hibernating insects, like box elder bugs, cluster flies and Asian lady beetles, and other pests, such as ants, are beginning to venture outdoors to enjoy the warm, spring weather, just like us. But many are wondering where these pests were hiding all winter long and where they will go, and the answer may surprise you.

It’s difficult for us to truly understand a pest’s life so allow me to introduce you to a few that can help with our “It’s a Bug’s Life Series: Wil-Kil Edition”.

Hibernating Insects

Box Elder Bob, Lucy the Asian Lady Beetle and Clyde the Cluster Fly are all hibernating insects that were actually avoiding the cold with you, inside your home – and they want to say thanks for the hospitality. Now that the warm spring weather is here, these pests are scurrying to get outside to enjoy it through small openings around your home and even tears in your screens. Below are tips to make sure these pests don’t try to reenter your home come fall.

• Repair rips and tears in your screens
• Seal any cracks, holes or gaps around the interior or exterior of your home with caulk
• Replace door sweeps that are no longer connecting with the ground
• Not all insects are able to make it outdoors to enjoy the spring season. For those insects that seem to lag behind, it is best to vacuum these bugs up. But remember to change your bag or empty your receptacle as deceased insects can start to stink.

Ants

Queenie the Ant and the other ants in her colony were hibernating in their nest all winter. After months of being deprived of food, they emerge from the ground very hungry! And also a little hangry, if you ask Queenie. During spring, ants crawl into our kitchens through small openings or under broken door sweeps to enjoy all the snacks and sweets we leave on our counters. Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your kitchen clean and to keep these pests outdoors.

• Keep kitchen counters and floors clean of food debris
• Clean up spills promptly
• Seal any cracks or gaps around your foundation that could be used for pest entry
• Replace door sweeps that are no longer connecting with the ground

General Spring Cleaning Tips to Keep in Mind:

Box elder bugs, Asian lady beetles, cluster flies and ants aren’t the only pests that can plague your home this spring. Be sure to complete these general spring cleaning tips below to be sure no other pests decide to set up camp as your new roommate.

• Remove leaves, twigs, standing water and other items from your yard and gutters
• Leave a barrier around your home
• Eliminate all clutter in your basement or attic

About Shane McCoy:

Shane McCoy is the Quality and Technical Training Director for Wil-Kil Pest Control, a regional pest management company providing quality pest management for residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest. As an Associate Certified Entomologist with over 20 years of experience in pest management, Shane’s blog provides expert tips and tricks, timely information and solutions for coexisting with the insect life and critters around us. To learn more about Wil-Kil Pest Control, please visit www.wil-kil.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@WilKilPest).