Why Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs Target Howell Homes in Fall

Every fall, like a timed schedule, the leaves on your property turn brilliant fall colors, leaving nights chilly and cool. Walking outside, you can see your breath, white and chalky in the cold air.

And while you might think most insects die off in the winter cold, that’s not necessarily true. This is when pests start looking for their winter hideaway to wait out the cold until spring.

In pest control, this is called overwintering. And it refers to the way insects and rodents find a protected, tucked away place to survive the colder months. Because they wouldn't do well with the winter chill outside, they move into your wall voids, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and other sheltered places to wait out winter.

While many overwintering insects aren't really causing damage, they are present. As soon as spring hits, they'll start to move around in large numbers. And this is exactly why winter pest prevention is important. In Howell, pest control might not be the first thing on your list. But, it’s an important step in halting the overwintering process before it even starts.

Why Sunny Exterior Walls Can Become Gathering Spots

Have you noticed pests (especially boxelder bugs) gathering on warm, sun exposed surfaces?

Well, this warm, inviting surface (like the siding of your house) not only attracts them, but also signals to them. It says: “Stay here awhile.” From there, they’ll stop at nothing to enter and overwinter inside your home. 

How These Pests Get Inside

And, your home might have more gaps and crevices than you realize. When pests find them, they use them.

Here are the most common entry points in your home in Howell:

• Cracks around siding and trim
• Gaps at door and window frames
• Deteriorating weatherstripping
• Soffits pulling away from the roofline
• Unscreened vents
• Utility penetrations
• Gaps around garage doors

The goal here is closing as many access points as possible before winter sets in. And once temperatures drop, fall invaders are already on the move.

What Happens After They Enter a Home

And, if these insects get inside your home, they’ll likely shelter within wall voids or other protected spaces. Sometimes, they’ll reappear on the walls or kitchen floor during warmer periods. 

While these insects aren’t doing much damage, they are a present nuisance. And this constant nuisance shaves away bit by bit at your peaceful home (which isn’t ideal). 

How to Reduce Fall Invasions

While professional pest control can help with this problem, there are a few tasks you can do before the first frost: 

• Replace damaged screens and weatherstripping
• Caulk visible gaps around windows, doors, and utility lines
• Inspect your roofline and soffits before temperatures drop

All of these tasks will help your home feel more protected and peaceful this winter. 

Professional Pest Control in Howell

Once overwintering pests are deep inside wall voids and attic spaces, they're much harder to address.

So, schedule your Fall Invader Home Shield Treatment this fall before the winter chill sets in.

Mosquito Squad of Central New Jersey serves your area with winter pest prevention treatments designed to stop overwintering pests at the exterior before they become an indoor problem. And, if you aren't 100% satisfied, we always stand by our satisfaction guarantee and make it right.

Ready to stop those pesky fall invaders before they settle into your home this winter? Call Mosquito Squad of Central New Jersey at (732) 313-3932 or request a free quote online.