It can. Warmth from indoor heating may cause some overwintering insects to become active and emerge from hidden spaces.
Finding a stink bug crawling across the wall in January can seem strange when the weather outside is freezing. But the insect may not have entered recently. In fact, it’s likely the insect has been overwintering in the building for some time, and it’s not the only one.
Many overwintering pests move into buildings during fall. Stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs can exploit exterior gaps around windows, siding, soffits, vents, and rooflines to reach protected spaces. These gaps can often be so small that you can hardly spot them. Then once inside wall voids or attics, they can remain relatively inactive during colder periods.
Insects need some sense of when it’s OK to go outside again. When sunlight warms an exterior wall and raises the temperature, that can sometimes make them think winter is over. But your heating system can do the same thing too when it really gets going. Once active, these pests can often move toward windows, ceilings, or other indoor areas. That can make it look like turning on the furnace created a pest problem when in reality, it just made it more visible.
Removing visible insects can address the immediate nuisance. A vacuum is often preferable to crushing stink bugs or lady beetles, which may release odors or fluids that stain surfaces. But if you’re serious about managing these pests in the future, it’s best to try to prevent them in the fall. You can do this by repairing damaged screens and window seals and by sealing up other small openings that allow them inside. To help you do this, Mosquito Squad of North Jersey offers Multi-Pest 365 for year-round indoor and outdoor pest management.
If overwintering insects keep appearing around your North Jersey home, Mosquito Squad of North Jersey can help identify the activity and discuss treatment options. Call (973) 532-5047 or request a free quote online.
