Overwintering Pests

In Phoenix, overwintering pests will become a problem for residents. These pests attempt to enter residential and commercial dwellings before winter. Although they can hide elsewhere, they often enter Phoenix homes. Therefore, it is wise to learn more about these pests.

Overwintering Pest Types

Ultimately, there is a risk that you’re going to encounter a handful of overwintering pests. Some of the most common overwintering pests will be explored in greater depth below.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs tend to be garden pests when it is warm outside. When it gets cold, they’re going to search for ways to stay warm. They may take shelter in your dwelling. They’re half an inch in length so they can slip through the smallest holes. In general, they don’t create too many issues since they don’t sting or cause damage. Nevertheless, you’ll want to get rid of these pests as soon as possible.

Asian Lady Bugs

Most people have encountered ladybugs. Well, Asian ladybugs are problematic because they’re overwintering pests. These pests will attempt to invade your home when it gets cold. Although they won’t destroy your belongings, they can create a foul odor when crushed. Be cautious and find a better way to get rid of them.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies prefer being outside. They spend more of their days outside, but they are overwintering pests. When the temperatures drop, cluster flies around your property will begin searching for shelter. They often hide behind loose tree bark. Alternatively, they may find a way to enter your home. If this happens, there isn’t much you can do about it. You’ll need to wait until they leave in the spring. Then, you’ll need to clean up the mess they’ve left behind.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

You won’t be able to ignore these pests because they’re large. These pests are three-quarters of an inch and dull-brown. When it is warm outside, these pests are going to stay outside and consume pine cones as well as their seeds. When it gets cold, they’ll try to find a way to stay warm. Although they’re larger than other overwintering pests, they can enter small gaps and enter your home. When it gets warm again, they’re going to escape your home.

Stink Bugs

Brown marmorated stink bugs are overwintering pests as well. These pests haven’t been in the United States for long. They are native to Asian countries and arrived in the United States in the mid-1990s. Since then, they’ve spread across the country. You’re going to encounter them in Phoenix. These pests prefer consuming crops during the warm months. As winter gets closer, these pests are going to look for ways to sneak into your home.

When this happens, you’ll need to vacuum them up or wait for the pests to leave next spring.

Signs Of Overwintering Pests

These pests tend to stay outside during the warm weather. As soon as the cold weather arrives, they’re going to search your home for vulnerabilities. These pests do not want to get caught outside in the cold weather. You can make them leave your home by using your HVAC system to warm your home. When you do this, the pests will think it is warm outside so they’ll leave your home. Ultimately, this is a good way to identify a problem. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until spring arrives.

Preventing Them From Entering

Take steps to prevent overwintering pests from invading your home. If you play your cards right, you might be able to avoid a problem in the first place. First, carefully check your home for possible entry points. Look for small cracks and gaps that can be filled. Deal with these gaps to stop overwintering pests from invading your home. Unfortunately, this might not stop all pests from getting in, but it will make a difference.

Small Screen Openings & Gaps

Take time to search your home for small screen openings and gaps. If screens are broken or ripped, replace them. If you find small holes on your exterior walls, fill them in.

Protective Barrier Treatments

Call a professional exterminator and asks about their protective barrier treatments. These techniques can make a big difference in the long run. Work with an exterminator because they’ll use industrial-strength products to protect your home. These products will provide long-lasting results. A professional’s products can provide better results than over-the-counter products.

How Overwintering Invaders Access Residential And Commercial Establishments?

Mortar Joints Between Bricks

Missing mortar joints between bricks can become overwintering invader entry points into your home. If your home has a brick exterior, visual inspections annually are crucial for the integrity of your home.

Door And Window Frame Crevices

Cracks around window and door frames are the most common entry points of overwintering invaders. Assess these components at least annually to ensure they are in good condition when overwintering invader activity is at its highest.

Clapboards And Fascia

It is unfortunate, but fascia and clapboard gaps are sometimes overlooked during the construction. Many homeowners are not even aware of these vulnerabilities. When they finally discover them, their home is already infested with overwintering invaders and/or rodents.

Vulnerable Attic Vents And Soffit

Long-term element exposure takes its toll on the exterior of a building. Attic vents are exposed to strong winds, high and single-digit temperatures, rain, snow, and sleet. While these structural components are not supposed to be exposed to all environmental elements, they are in many cases. The outcome is nothing short of severe damage that must be repaired immediately to avoid overwintering invader infiltration.

Plumbing Pipe Openings

Plumbing pipe openings are notorious for being exterior-to-interior access points. To fill in these openings, plywood and metal sheeting are a necessity. Cut the plywood or metal sheeting to fit perfectly.

It is also a good idea to utilize waterproof silicone to go around the edges of the wood or metal to ensure a full seal. Any small gap can become an access point to your home.

Materials To Fill In Overwintering Pests Entry Points Into Homes

The only way to protect your home from infiltration of the overwintering invader and other insect species is by repairing and improving your home’s best barrier. Filling gaps, cracks, crevices, and holes that are accessible by pests and rodents.

• Stainless Steel Pot Scrubbers – Great for filling in openings underneath sinks
• Metal Screen – Ideal for filling in medium-sized entry points in basements and crawlspaces
• Foam Insulation – Works alone or with other materials to seal exterior-to-interior access points
• Waterproof Sealants – Caulk and silicone can be utilized to repair damaged wood or metal structural components of your home

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.