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Some pests cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Before the temperatures drop, these pests will try to seek suitable shelter. Although they can hide elsewhere outside, many will sneak into your home. Most overwintering pests are not dangerous, but they’ll still become a nuisance in your residence. It is pertinent to call a qualified exterminator in Petersburg, VA right now. Doing so is the best way to rectify the problem and put an end to the infestation. Below, you’ll learn more about the most common overwintering pests in our area.
Common Overwintering Pests In Petersburg VA
Below, you’ll discover more about the most common overwintering pests in our city.
Boxelder Bugs
When it is warm outside, boxelder bugs remain outside and damage your crops. They’re a minor garden pest that feeds on certain trees. Before the cold temperatures arrive, the half-inch bug will attempt to sneak into your home. Although you’ll want to eradicate them immediately, rest assured knowing they’re not dangerous or destructive. They’ll turn your home into a smelly mess if you crush them.
Asian Lady Beetles
Asian lady beetles are common in our area. Most are harmless, but one ladybug type can bite your fingers. It won’t hurt or bring blood, but it can be unsettling. When it gets cold, Asian lady beetles will do whatever it takes to sneak into your home. Crushing them is not a good idea since they’ll release a foul odor.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are large flies that prefer being outside. However, they’re going to enter residential structures before it gets cold. Besides hiding in your home, they can also take shelter behind loose planks and tree bark. If they can find a convenient way to sneak into your home, they will do so. As the name implies, these flies tend to travel in packs. They’ll cluster in your home until it gets warm. Then, they’ll begin leaving your home in large groups.
Leaf-Footed Pine Seed bugs
Since they’re larger than the others, the leaf-footed pine seed bug is one of the most unnerving overwintering pests in our area. Before winter, they’ll stay outside and feed on pinecones. Before the brutal, cold temperatures arrive, the leaf-footed pine seed bug will look for ways to stay warm. They can hide behind tree bark, but they’ll also sneak into your home. Due to their large size, they’re likely going to frighten you. Rest assured knowing they’re not dangerous.
Stink Bugs
Finally, you’re going to encounter brown marmorated stink bugs. Most people call them stink bugs because they can release a terrible odor in your home. They’re only half an inch but their odor makes them difficult to deal with. Stink bugs are native to Asia, but they’ve been entering American homes every winter for many years. During the warm months, they’ll destroy plants and crops. In your home, they’re not destructive. Still, it is wise to remove them promptly.
Common Signs Of Overwintering Pests
You need to learn how to identify an overwintering pest infestation. After all, these bugs hide exceptionally well. Once they’ve settled into your home, you likely won’t realize it until they decide to leave. A qualified professional can help you find out where these pests are hiding. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until the temperatures rise. You can also increase the temperature of your HVAC system. Once the home reaches a higher temperature, the bugs will leave. If you find a large group of stink bugs, ladybugs, or cluster flies in your home, you had an overwintering pest problem.
Preventing Invasions Of Overwintering Pests This Winter
To avoid dealing with overwintering pests this winter, find ways to keep them out of your home. Properly seal your outer walls this fall so they cannot enter. Carefully inspect your home’s outer walls until you find any small gaps and cracks. Once you’ve found these small entry points, you must seal them as quickly as possible. Block their entry points and the overwintering pests will not be able to invade your home.
Small Entry Points
Start by looking for small entry points around your home. Carefully inspect your exterior walls. If you find any small gaps around windows, doors, or cables, seal those gaps immediately.
Protective Barrier Treatment
Don’t forget to call us and ask about our protective exterior barrier treatments. The treatment works exceptionally well for keeping overwintering pests and other pests away from your property. Once the industrial-strength product has been administered around your home, pests will approach your property.
Where To Look For Gaps
Start With Your Bricks
First and foremost, you need to check the bricks around your home. Check where the mortar connects the two bricks. At the top, you’re going to find a small gap. Certain overwintering pests can enter through this small hole. It is pertinent to seal these gaps as quickly as possible. The best way to fill these gaps is by using a high-quality sealant. Once you’ve done that, overwintering pests won’t be able to sneak into your home here.
Window Frames
You’ll also need to check your window frames carefully. You’ll likely find that the sides and top of the window are thoroughly sealed, but the bottom likely isn’t. Keep pests out by properly sealing the bottom of the window. By sealing the small gap, you can guarantee that these pests won’t be able to sneak into your home through the window.
Fascia & Clapboard
Your clapboard has an uneven surface. Although it looks great, it leaves gaps around your home. The gaps allow overwintering pests to enter your home. Purchase and use foam insulating cord because it’ll work best.
Vents
Don’t forget to check the vents around your attic and soffit. The vents need to be covered by a durable screen. Otherwise, pests are going to enter through the small gaps and holes. Replace the screen to stop overwintering pests from climbing into your attic.
Openings Close To Utilities
You’ll also need to close gaps around utility openings. For instance, you should check for holes around pipes and electric cables. Check around these items and look for small openings. If you find any, block the openings using a sealant. You can also try pushing an old pot scrubber into the hole. Either way, you must block this entry point to spot overwintering pests from invading your home.
Regardless, there is a risk that overwintering pests are going to invade your home sooner or later. Therefore, you need to be ready for everything that comes your way. Call our office so we can help you get rid of the pests in question.
Which Materials work Best?
Be sure to use the right materials when sealing these holes. Exclusion materials are designed to keep overwintering pests and other pests out of dwellings. They’re primarily marketed and sold as pest-proofing products. Once they’ve been installed, they’ll protect throughout the year.
Caulks Or Sealants?
It is vital to learn the difference between caulks and sealants. Both block gaps, but they’re good for different surfaces. Using caulk is best for sealing joints that aren’t going to move due to temperature changes. If the surface experiences change due to temperature adjustments, use a sealant.
Other Materials To Use
Finally, you should use the following materials to keep these pests out of your home.
- When filling long gaps, it is wise to use foam insulation. Although spray foam works, it is much harder to clean up later.
- Consider using aluminum screening. It is inexpensive and provides long-lasting results.
- Try using hardware cloth when filling in certain gaps.
- Pot scrubbers can be used to fill small holes.
If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.