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The Basics Of Overwintering Pests
When it gets cold outside, Louisville residents may run into overwintering pests. These pests cannot tolerate the cold temperatures of winter so they’ll try to sneak into residential dwellings to stay warm. They can also hide elsewhere to avoid the frost and snow, but they regularly enter Louisville residences. These pests often enter attics and wall voids. Since you live in Louisville, it would be wise to learn more about these pests and behaviors.
Which Overwintering Pests Can Be Found In Louisville?
Louisville residents may encounter a handful of overwintering pests. However, some are more common in our area than others. They will be explored in greater depth below.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs will ruin your garden in spring and summer. When it gets cold outside, they’re going to sneak into your home. They’re only half an inch so they can invade homes using the smallest cracks and holes. They’re not dangerous. They won’t bite or transmit illnesses.
Ladybugs
Multicolored Asian Lady Bugs are another overwintering pest that you’ll encounter in Louisville. They are similar to native ladybugs but they’re much different. Asian lady beetles are going to find a way to enter your home during the winter months. They cannot tolerate the cold temperatures so they’ll invade your home. One thing to note is that Asian lady beetles generally do not bite but some species can nip. When trying to get rid of them, do not crush them. If you do, you’re going to turn your home into a smelly mess.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies spend most of their days outside. Once they’ve left their host, the larvae will begin living away from the earthworm. However, they do not like staying outside when it gets cold. Instead, these flies will enter residential and commercial dwellings. They can also hide behind wood planks and tree bark. When the warm temperatures arrive, cluster flies will return outside.
Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs
Leaf-footed pine seed bugs are roughly three-quarters of an inch. They’re larger than other overwintering pests. They’re long, slim, and dull-brown. They stay outside during warm temperatures and consume pine cones and pine cone seeds. Despite their large size, they can slip through small gaps and invade your home. They’re not dangerous, but their appearance is unsettling. Once spring has arrived, you’ll need to clean up the mess they’ve left behind.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are roughly half of an inch in length. They have a back that is shaped like a shield. These pests are native to Asia. They’ve been in the United States since the mid-1990s. Since their arrival, they’ve proven to be very stubborn and hardy. They’re difficult to eliminate and they’ve quickly spread across the country. They will invade residential dwellings before the cold months arrive. If they’re stressed or crushed, they’ll release a foul odor.
Overwintering Pest Infestation Signs
It is hard to detect an overwintering pest infestation. It is often best to wait until the warm temperatures return. When they do, you’ll find the pests trying to leave your home. Remember that they’re trying to leave. Leave them alone and they’ll find a way to leave your home before you know it. If the infestation is large and you need help, contact a qualified pest exterminator.
Preventing Overwintering Pest Problems
You need to take steps to keep overwintering pests out of your home. It is wise to begin by carefully inspecting your home. Check the exterior walls carefully. When you find gaps and holes, you’ll need to fill them immediately. If you block all of these gaps, you will be able to stop overwintering pests from entering your home. You likely won’t be able to stop all overwintering pests, but you can stop many of them. Doing that could stop them from invading your home and ruining your life during the winter months.
Gaps, Crevices, And Small Entry Points
Check your home’s exterior walls for small gaps and crevices. If you find any small entry points, fill them. Sealing these gaps will increase the likelihood that your home is going to remain pest-free throughout the year. It will help keep overwintering pests and other pests out of your home.
Exterior Barrier Treatment
Contact a professional exterminator and ask about their protective exterior barrier treatment services. Residual exterior barrier treatments will further protect your home and keep these pests out. It is best to work with a qualified professional because they’ll have access to better and longer-lasting products. Plus, these products are specifically designed to eliminate pests. Over-the-counter products can help, but they’re not as effective as professional products.
Where To Seal Gaps
Mortar & Bricks
When you’re ready to protect your home, start by checking the brick and mortar joints around your home. The small joint between the bricks will normally be lower. Therefore, there is going to be a small gap where the brick touches the wood above it. These gaps are located near siding and molding. Although it is a thin gap, bugs can still slip through and enter your attic. These gaps must be filled immediately. Seal them with a sealant to ensure that overwintering pests cannot invade your home.
Check Your Window Frames
Next, you’ll want to carefully check your window frames. When someone installs a window, they often seal the top and sides of the window. Unfortunately, the bottom portion of the window is often ignored. Water usually won’t get inside this way, but bugs can. You’ll need to seal the small gap under your window frame to keep out spiders and other insects.
Fascia Board & Wooden Clapboard
Remember that the clapboard is uneven. As a result, it is going to leave a gap where it touches the fascia board. Bugs can enter through this small hole. Therefore, you need to seal these gaps to keep overwintering pests out of your home. It is wise to use a foam insulating cord because it’ll work exceptionally well.
Attic Vents & Soffit Vents
Next, you need to check vents installed in attics and soffits. They should be covered with a protective screen to keep these pests out of your home. The screen might have tears or holes that allow overwintering pests to enter your home. By replacing the screen, you can stop rodents, bugs, and bats from entering your attic.
Opens For Utilities
Your home is connected to certain utilities, including water and electricity. The wipe pipe from the utility company has to enter your home at some point. The electricity wires enter your home too. If they were not installed properly, there is a risk that there will be small gaps around the wires or pipes. Bugs can easily squeeze through these holes and invade your home. It is wise to seal these gaps properly. One way to do this is by using a pot scrubber. Grab one that you’ve been using for a few weeks or months. Doing so will ensure that you can squeeze it easily. A new one will be harder to shape. Shove the pot scrubber into the hole so bugs can’t enter the hole.
If you’re ready to deal with overwintering pests, call our office. We’re always eager to help Louisville residents.
Sealing Your Louisville Home With The Right Materials
You need to make sure that you’re using the right materials to properly seal your home. Exclusion materials can help. These products are designed to help seal homes so overwintering pests, rodents, and other pests cannot enter. Below, you’ll find tips for picking the right materials.
Caulk & Sealant
- Use caulk when you’re dealing with joints that won’t move due to temperature changes
- Sealant is best for surfaces that will move due to changing temperatures
Other Materials
You’ll also need to use other materials to protect your home. For instance, you can use foam insulation to block long gaps. Aluminum screens are great for other holes. Other products you’ll want to use are hardware cloths and pot scrubbers. It is wise to take advantage of used pot scrubbers because they’re easier to deal with.
Contact our office to learn more about our overwintering pest services.
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