Why Do Overwintering Insects Target Riverhead Homes?

The fall season reduces the presence of buzzing and biting pests, but it increases the presence of other pest activity indoors. Riverhead residents commonly see an increase in overwintering pests such as rodents, boxelder bugs, spiders, and other common pests that enter indoor living spaces in search of food, shelter, and water. With this in mind, there are preventive measures residents can take before seeking professional Riverhead pest control treatments.

Common Fall Invaders to Watch For

Mosquitoes, flies, and wasps are common frustrations for Riverhead residents during the summer months, but the cooler seasons present a separate pest problem. Stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs will swarm the sunny sides of homes and seek ways to gain access to indoor living spaces and wall voids. Spiders will follow their prey into homes and build their webs near common points of entry or actively hunt these insect pests at night. Likewise, rodents in Riverhead will seek access to attics, basements, and wall voids in order to gain access to shelter, food, and water during the cooler months.

How Overwintering Pests Get Inside

Overwintering pests in Riverhead commonly find access to homes through small cracks, gaps, and overlooked crevices. For pests such as stink bugs and boxelder bugs, common areas can include gaps underneath worn door sweeps, areas where window screens bend or become damaged, and damaged areas around attic entry points. Additionally, gaps around external pipes, utility lines, and garage corners create easy points of entry for overwintering insects and rodents. When noting pest activity, it can be beneficial to trace the pests back to these points of entry in order to take action and reduce access.

What Homeowners Can Do Before the First Frost

If you notice heightened pest activity during the fall months, there are a few steps you can take to reduce entry into your Riverhead home. Conduct a home inspection during the seasonal transitions to seek areas where gaps, cracks, and crevices create small points of entry. Use a flashlight to help illuminate areas where shadows or structures might disguise these points of entry, and take note of their location for future remedy. Use durable sealants for gaps around external pipes, utility lines, or garage corners where insects or rodents can gain entry. Replace torn HVAC vent screens, worn door sweeps, and damaged window screens. For outdoor areas at your Riverhead home, reduce leaf litter and brush where pests can commonly nest near foundational areas and underneath decks or porches. For unused indoor areas, reduce clutter and boxes where pests can nest and hide.

What to Do If Pests Are Already Indoors

While preventative measures can be helpful, there are moments when pests successfully make their way into Riverhead homes. For stink bugs, boxelder bugs, or Asian lady beetles, use a handheld or separate vacuum to contain and dispose of these overwintering insects. Resist the urge to crush or smash stink bugs and Asian lady beetles, as they are commonly known to emit a pungent odor and occasionally lead to staining. Likewise, vacuum any signs of spider eggs found around the home and consider cleaning the vacuum to reduce the likelihood of any egg sacs left behind.

Professional Fall Pest Control in Riverhead

If you’ve taken preventative measures and are still noticing heightened pest activity at your home in Riverhead, it can be beneficial to work with a professional pest control company.

Our team at Mosquito Squad of the Hamptons is committed to offering comprehensive pest control services to Riverhead residents. Our team will conduct an initial property inspection to learn the property layout, note areas of concern, and create a tailored plan that suits your home and needs. Depending on your needs, recurring pest control service can help manage pest activity throughout the season.

Call (631) 832-4856 or request a free quote online.