Your Most Common Fall Pest-Proofing Questions Answered

Have you noticed lots of bugs that look like ladybugs on your windows? Or massive amounts of boxelder bugs? It is that time of year where pests start to make their way indoors looking for warmth and a place to winter. Before you even realize it, rodents, Asian lady beetles, spiders and other pests will be nestled with you indoors near the cozy fire.

As you begin your fall maintenance projects, now is the time to also do some fall pest-proofing. Below are some of the most common questions Wil-Kil Pest Control experts get this time of year and answers to help homeowners keep pests away this fall.

Question #1: What are the orange and black bugs all over my home?

These are Asian lady beetles and they appear in large numbers, usually near sunny areas. When disturbed, the Asian lady beetle is known to bite and secretes a strong-smelling yellow liquid that stains certain surfaces. The best way to prevent this pest from entering your home this fall is to seal all cracks and crevices with sealant. If this pest is already inside, vacuuming is the best removal method. Just make sure to dispose of the vacuumed contents right away as Asian lady beetles emit a smell that can become overwhelming.

Question #2: What is the best way to get rid of spiders?

Spiders move indoors as the weather cools and are usually found in dark, secluded areas such as closets, basements, corners of rooms and underneath furniture. Many enter homes by climbing shrubbery and entering through openings. To avoid spiders this fall, trim shrubbery and bushes away from the exterior of your home. It is also important to seal any openings around your doors and windows.

Questions #3: I think I have mice, will steel wool keep them away?

Steel wool may keep mice away for a while, but it is only a temporary fix. Mice can fit through openings as small as a dime. To make sure this pest doesn’t enter your home, seal any opening as small as the size of a dime with sealant. You can also make more permanent repairs by contacting a building contractor.

Question #4: Is it true you never have just one mouse in your house?

Yes, mice reproduce rapidly, they can have up to 150 offspring per year! To prevent an invasion, be sure to install or repair door sweeps as well as screen attic vents and openings to chimneys.

Question #5: How can I get rid of boxelder bugs?

Boxelder bugs are drawn to warmth and many enter homes through openings in screens, doors and windows. To prevent these bugs from entering, repair all holes in your screens and seal any openings around your home. Once this pest enters your home, it is best to remove them with a vacuum.

Question #6: What is that fall smell?

No, we’re not talking about the crisp air and fallen leaves; we’re talking about brown marmorated stink bugs! Relatively new to the area, this pest spent most of summer near farmland, but now is the time it begins migrating into homes for warmth. When this pest is disturbed or squished, it emits a very foul odor. To keep this pest outside your home, make sure all openings in your screens are repaired and door sweeps are installed and in good repair. Seal any cracks and crevices with a strong sealant. If this pest gets indoors, it is best to contact a pest control professional as there may be too many to remove with only a vacuum and their smell can be very overpowering.

Make sure your home is ready for fall by ensuring all openings around your home are sealed, holes in screens are repaired and door sweeps are installed. With fall pest-proofing complete, you will be able to enjoy the crisp, cool weather pest-free.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.wil-kil.com/.

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).