Overwintering Pests

Our Overwintering Pest Control In Las Vegas

It cannot be stressed enough, some insect species are not much different than bears, prairie dogs, bats, hedgehogs, ground squirrels, and box turtles. How is it that a tiny insect can compare to a large animal like the bear? It is not about size, it is about how these animals and some insect species spend their winters.

Insect species like the stinkbug, ladybug, box elder bug, and cluster fly spend their winters in a dormant state called “overwintering.” Bears, on the other hand, spend their winter in hibernation. Both overwintering and hibernation are similar to a night of deep sleep.

Overwintering Pest – Box Elder Bug

The box elder bug is black with a red outline around the wings. Boxelder bugs feed on ash, cherry, and box elder tree leaves. In the late fall, the insect initiates a search for vulnerable buildings. The small size allows the insect to enter buildings via cracks, crevices, gaps, and other openings around windows, garage doors, soffit, and siding.

The adult grows up to 0.5 inches long. While not a disease-transmitting insect species, the box elder bug is a major nuisance for many Las Vegas property owners.

Overwintering Pest – Ladybugs “Asian Lady Beetles”

The ladybug is a small insect that looks like it is carrying around a shell. In fact, the ladybug does carry around a shell, but not like that of the turtle shell. The ladybug shell is a thin layer over the wings to protect against injuries.

Ladybugs will do just about anything to avoid spending the winter outdoors. When the insect enters the overwintering state, it can no longer defend itself from predators and cold temperatures.

Overwintering Pest – Cluster Fly

The cluster fly spends most of its time outdoors. But, when it comes to sheltering down for the winter, the insect will find itself scampering for vulnerable homes. The insect can fly for quite some time, giving it the advantage over homeowners and other insect species.

Cluster fly larvae are parasites of the earthworm. Once the insect reaches adulthood, it begins to live independently. When the cluster fly cannot gain access into a building, it will hide behind loose tree bark, underneath firewood or lumber piles, and inside wooden structures.

Cluster flies are extremely easy to detect but difficult to eradicate. If you are lucky enough to have a fly swat on hand, you should be able to hit the cluster fly on the first attempt.

Overwintering Pest – Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bug

The adult grows up to 0.75 inches in length, with a dark brown body, three sets of legs, and two antennas. The diet consists of seeds and pine cones. To avoid spending the winter season exposed to snow, sleet, rain, and low temperatures, the leaf-footed pine seed bug infiltrates houses, commercial buildings, and public facilities like libraries, museums, and subway stations through tiny crevices.

The insect travels and lives in colonies with up to thousands of insects. There is no evidence that supports the leaf-footed pine seed bug bites. In fact, scientists claim the insect never bites or damages building structures.

Overwintering Pest – Stinkbug “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug”

As its name entails, the stinkbug emits a foul odor that some people describe as “burnt rubber.” When under stress, injured, and threatened by predators the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) releases an unappealing odor. Some experts describe the odor as part of a safety mechanism.

The stinkbug does not like cold weather, snow, or sleet, which is why it is adamant about not staying outdoors in the winter. The insect is very easy to identify, thanks to its diamond-shaped back and wings. The marmorated design covers the wings, legs, and antennas.

The best method for removing stinkbugs is vacuuming. Utilizing a vacuum cleaner, suction the insects up into the debris container or bag. Quickly detach the bag or container and transport it to a safe area outdoors. Free the insects at your earliest convenience.

Commonly Reported Overwintering Pest Infestation Signs

The most commonly reported sign of an overwintering pest infestation is live insects. This is extremely common upon infiltration and when the dormant state comes to an end. Live insects emerging from their hiding can be seen on ceilings, walls, furniture, windows, doors, and kitchens. After months of overwintering, the insects will be ready to ingest food. It may take several days to fully come out of the overwintering state. But, it will not be long before the insect is back to its normal routine.

It is not unusual for overwintering pests to emerge from their hiding places when the interior temperature reaches over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Thinking spring has arrived, the insect will leave its hiding place in hopes of leaving the home behind until next fall.

What Pest Control Tools Do Homeowners Need To Fully Eradicate Overwintering Pest

Infestations?

We can help you develop a custom pest control strategy specific to your overwintering pest infestation. We combine routine inspections, pesticides, traps, education, and the family’s help to fight against overwintering pests. While we develop the treatment strategy, we encourage the household members to do the following:

• Seal access points with a waterproof sealant (silicone or caulk)
• Replaced damaged siding and soffit
• Install dehumidifiers and vents to improve air circulation in basements, bathrooms, and crawlspaces
• Install flashing over chimney openings
• Install underground drainage to diverse rainwater away from your home-spun

Repair Or Replace Screens

Since the overwintering pest is more active in late fall, it is not recommended to leave doors and windows open. Even though you want to ventilate your home, it is best to keep doors and windows closed unless they are screened. Damaged screen doors and windows should be repaired or replaced.

Treat With Insect Control Sprays

Industrial-strength insect control sprays are highly recommended for the exterior of homes. Treat the area nest to your home’s foundation without making content. These treatments can be utilized as a part of overwintering control extermination and prevention strategy.

Common Insect Access Points In Buildings

Overwintering pests utilize small gaps and crevices to infiltrate buildings. These can be found around windows, garage doors, entrance doors, roofing vents, attic vents, soffit, and siding.

• Damaged Mortar Joints – Damaged and missing mortar between bricks and rock siding are access points for overwintering pests. Utilize a mortar to fill in the missing mortar. You can also utilize a waterproof sealant if the mortar is unavailable.
• Improperly Installed Fascia Boards – When the fascia board is not installed properly over the clapboard, there may be a small gap between the two materials. If these are not sealed immediately after installation, insects will utilize them as exterior-to-interior access points.
• Missing Soffit – Soffit is a vulnerable material that is vulnerable to high winds and storms. It is crucial to routinely inspect the soffit, eaves, and attic vents for signs of damage. Large gaps should be filled with foam insulation and damaged or missing components should be immediately replaced.
• Openings Around Utility Lines – It is not unusual for large openings to be utilized for utility lines. Pipes, electrical wiring, and other components are running through the opening to other areas of the home. Utilize cut-to-fit plywood or metal sheeting to fill in the large openings.

Special Material List

• Waterproof caulk or silicone
• Plywood or metal sheeting
• Foam insulation
• Metal pot scrubbers

Be sure to take advantage of our free inspections and consultations.

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