Knock, knock, knock... with cooler temperatures on the way, fall invaders will soon be lurking around for their next place to settle in. Ideally, some place that is warm, cozy, and protected from any uncomfortable elements outside. PMPs know that this time of year brings an uptick in calls about occasional invaders that have made their way into homes and other structures. So, who are these unwanted guests, where are they coming from, how do they get in, and (most importantly) what can PMPs do to help keep them out? Let’s take a closer look.
Some of the biggest offenders in this group include boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles, brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB), and cluster flies. The specific pest pressure PMPs encounter will vary by region and local conditions. For example, BMSB populations are particularly abundant throughout parts of the Mid-Atlantic, while cluster flies tend to be a bigger issue in the Northern US.
As the temperatures drop, these pests leave the landscape and other summer feeding sites in search of shelter where they can ride out the cold winter months. This behavior is why they are often referred to as “overwintering pests”. Insects are poikilotherms (AKA “cold-blooded”), meaning their body temperature is largely influenced by the temperature of their surrounding environment. Seeking shelter in and around structures is a survival strategy that provides protection from freezing temperatures and other harsh environmental conditions. Structures can be particularly attractive because they offer numerous protected spaces, including wall voids, attics, soffits, eaves, and other areas where these pests can remain relatively sheltered throughout the winter.
No. For the most part, the fall invaders discussed here are considered nuisance pests rather than public-health or structural pests. Their presence can nevertheless become a major annoyance in situations of heavy infestations where large numbers accumulate inside. These pests do not cause structural damage like wood-destroying insects do. However, some can release unpleasant odors or defensive secretions when disturbed or crushed, sometimes leaving stains or other unwanted residues on surfaces (looking at you, Asian Lady Beetle). But the biggest concern for homeowners is often simply the sheer number of insects that can appear inside the structure.
The answer is often simpler than homeowners might expect: through openings around their house. Small cracks and gaps around windows, doors, siding, rooflines, soffits, utility penetrations, and other structural entry points may be easy for homeowners to overlook, but they can provide an open invitation to insects looking for overwintering sites.
For all invaders, the first goal is prevention. Keep them out before they move in. Once temperatures drop and overwintering behavior begins, large numbers may already be seeking protected areas around structures. Because many of these insects can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, exclusion should be a key component of the management strategy. Look for opportunities to:
A thorough inspection can help PMPs identify potential entry points and provide homeowners with actionable recommendations to reduce future pest pressure.
Exclusion is an important part of the equation, but a properly timed residual insecticide application can provide another layer of protection around the structure. A perimeter application can help target fall invaders around exterior areas where they may congregate or attempt to enter in at. The key is to focus applications on labeled sites and areas associated with pest activity and potential entry points.
ProFlex gives PMPs three active ingredients in one convenient formulation, with extended residual activity provided by its unique ZC microencapsulated formulation. Labeled for use against a variety of occasional invaders (including stink bugs and boxelder bugs), ProFlex offers application flexibility for managing these seasonal pests both in and around the structure. Used as part of an integrated approach, ProFlex can help PMPs put up a “No Vacancy” sign before fall invaders have a chance to move in. Inspect early. Seal entry points. Treat strategically. And keep that welcome mat rolled up.