Most people have a favorite time of year for one reason or another. Some folks like spring or summer because of the toasty weather, while others like fall for the opposite effect. The climate is even-keel then; it isn’t too cool or hot. Winter has many fans, as it ushers in several holidays. Anticipated celebrations can be interrupted by pests, however.
A different bunch of insects and creatures accompany each season. As one group becomes prevalent, another will take shelter. Unfortunately, Queen Creek homes are often used as headquarters for creepy crawlers. Learn more about a few overwintering critters and how Quell Pest Control can help you combat them.
What Queen Creek Pests Overwinter In Homes?
Among the local pests that overwinter in domiciles are stink bugs and ladybugs. For stink bugs, their appearance is just as notable as their smell. The brown specimens have a shield-like shape, with metallic adornments that are copper or blue. Stripes on their antennas and dark marks on their wings. Six legs outline their bodies. Their red-eyed babies are yellow or white. Once they’ve fully matured, stink bugs are 0.46 to 0.67 inches long.
Stink bugs come through holes in foundations, siding, screens, and windows. When they’re not sitting behind walls, they will be crawling around crawl spaces and attics. They’ll find greenery to lay their wet and gooey eggs under. You’ll know it if they die because they are profusely odorous. These insects aren’t dangerous to humans, but they’ll ruin plants, fruit, and vegetables by withdrawing their essential liquids.
Other items they’ll go after are:
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Apples
- Lima beans
- Blackberries
- Peaches
- Green peppers
- Soybeans
Ladybugs can be brown, black, orange, or yellow, but the vast majority are red. Size-wise, these critters are 0.03 to 0.37 of an inch long. Their circular figures are decorated with dark spots. They have two antennas and six legs too. To trace spaces they’ve previously inhabited, they’ll release a potent chemical.
Should your residence be painted with light and dark tones, ladybugs will be on the premises. Your place will also be a target if it’s close to a wooded or grassy area, or there’s not much shade around it. An infestation is evident if you see the insects or their yellow secretions, usually on surfaces. Look for them near structural voids, walls, and ceilings.
How Can You Prevent Overwintering Pests?
Chilly temperatures and harsh weather are part of what drives insects and creatures indoors to overwinter. Slipping up on maintaining preventative protocols during the year is unwise. Seasonal pests will nestle in hard-to-reach locations and then stun you once it’s their busy period. Do the following:
- Add sweeps to all exterior doors.
- Make sure your existing screens are in good condition.
- Close up openings in foundations, windows, doors, and piping.
- Have leaks and moisture complications repaired immediately.
- Place plants and flowers two feet away from your property.
- Trim grass and greenery regularly.
- Flush out your gutters on a routine basis.
- Reduce all clutter.
- Put food and garbage in airtight canisters.
- Take out the trash, vacuum, and wash dishes often.
- Scan packages, bags, and plants before bringing them indoors.
What Can Quell Pest Control Do About Overwintering Pests?
The average retail pesticide is not equipped to blow out an infestation. Despite their shortcomings in effectiveness, they can still be strong enough to be a hazard. You don’t want to waste your time or money with these options.
Contact us at Quell Pest Control instead. We have industrial-grade home pest control solutions that are eco-friendly. Our experienced technicians will apply interior and block wall treatments, perimeter barriers, nesting spot avenues, and more. Call today for a free quote!