When temperatures drop in autumn, you might notice more bugs and critters inside your house. You're not seeing things, these fall invaders are searching for a cozy place to escape the chilly weather.
While some pests head south or hide under leaves outside, many prefer the comfort of your heated home. This behavior is called overwintering, and recognizing early signs can help you avoid a major pest problem.
Spotting a single bug in your kitchen might seem like a small issue. But the real trouble comes from pests you don't see. We’re talking the ones living in your walls, attic, or basement. Common fall invaders in New Jersey and Pennsylvania include: stink bugs, termites, stinging insects, mice, Asian Lady beetles, and lawn-destroying armyworms.
Here's what you need to know about these unwanted guests and how they might enter your property.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs definitely live up to their name. When you bother or crush them, they release an awful smell that can stick around your house for days. The odor is especially strong in small rooms. If enough stink bugs gather, they might also harm your indoor plants by feeding on them.
The Brown Marmorated stink bug is the type you'll usually find indoors. These unwanted visitors came from Asia and have spread across the country. They look like tiny brown and gray shields, measuring about the size of a penny.
These pests love hiding in peaceful spots where nobody will find them. They often gather inside walls or up in attics. When they die in these hidden places, their bodies can attract other bugs like carpet beetles that eat dead insects.
Termites
No pest causes more expensive damage than termites. Across America, these wood-eating insects create up to $30 billion in damage every year. Termites are always looking for ways into homes. The scary part? You might not know termites are there until spring comes. By then, their colony could be huge and the damage severe. Once inside, termites will eat wood and anything else made from plant materials.
These pests never stop eating wood, not even to sleep. They can destroy your home's foundation, important support boards, and walls from the inside out. Unlike bugs that just annoy you, termites can literally eat your house away, so finding them early is extremely important.
Look for these termite warning signs: paint that bubbles up, wood that sounds empty when tapped, and tiny holes that appear without explanation.
Rodents
You've probably watched squirrels, rats, and mice climb trees and run along power lines. These athletic rodents can easily get into your attic and build nests using the same skills.
When rodents move in for winter, they bring serious health risks. Their waste can contaminate your food and spread dangerous diseases. They constantly chew to keep their teeth sharp, which means they might damage electrical wires (possibly causing fires), insulation, and your home's structure.
The good news is that rodents aren't very quiet. Before long, you'll hear them scratching, running, or chewing inside your walls or ceiling. These sounds mean it's time to call a professional pest control service like Cooper Pest Solutions.
Wasps
Wasps become angry when disturbed, and their stings hurt a lot. For people with allergies, a sting could be deadly. Most wasps die when winter comes, but the queens survive by finding warm hiding spots. They might choose hollow trees, old stumps, or maybe your home's attic.
So here's something to think about: Are all your attic vents properly screened? If you're not certain, consider having us check your attic and install screens. This simple step keeps wasps, birds, and other animals from moving in without your knowledge.
Armyworms
Armyworms don't usually come inside houses, but they're worth mentioning because of the terrible damage they do to New Jersey and Pennsylvania yards. Fixing the destruction they cause can cost a fortune.
These caterpillars are most active during September and October. They can completely destroy a healthy lawn in just days. Moving together like an army, they eat every blade of grass in their path, leaving ugly brown spots behind.
Asian Lady Beetles
That orange bug on your windowsill might look like a friendly ladybug, but take a closer look. If it's bigger than usual and has few or no spots, you've probably found an Asian Lady beetle. Where there's one, there's usually many more.
Asian Lady beetles use special scents to tell their friends where to gather. So when one finds a way into your house, it can quickly lead to hundreds more following behind. Stop them by filling cracks and holes around your home's outside walls before cold weather hits.
When scared or squished, these beetles leak a nasty-smelling yellow liquid that can leave permanent marks on your furniture, carpets, and walls. These beetles can also cause health problems for some people. You might experience breathing troubles, itchy eyes, or skin rashes. Sometimes they even bite, leaving small, painful bumps.
Prevention Tips
It's much easier to prevent pests than to remove them once they're settled in. Acting now can save you from fighting a serious infestation next spring. Here are the best ways to protect your home:
- First, seal any openings around your property. Use caulk to fill cracks near windows and doors, add sweeps under doors, and fix ripped screens.
- Outside, trim plants away from your house and keep firewood stacks at least 20 feet from buildings.
- Inside, clean up messy areas in basements and attics where pests hide, repair water leaks, and keep food in sealed containers.
- Regular vacuuming also helps remove bugs that have already gotten inside.
- Book a professional pest inspection in early fall to spot and fix problem areas before pests move in.
Rely on Cooper Pest Solutions for Seasonal Pest Management
When fall pests become a problem, Cooper Pest Solutions has the solutions you need for complete home pest protection. Cooper Pest Solutions has proudly served New Jersey and Pennsylvania families with reliable pest control for more than 65 years.
Call us today for your free estimate!