Why Pest Problems Can Change Around Waukesha Homes When Temperatures Drop

When temperatures drop in the fall, we put up our shorts and tank tops and take out our favorite cozy sweaters and exchange our blended frozen coffee for a warm, pumpkin spice latte or maybe hot apple cider. As we change our habits, the pests around our home do, too. Some insects migrate to warmer climates, some go into a hibernation-like state, and some try to find shelter to hide through the winter months, even in human homes, potentially causing pest problems in your home. If you are looking for pest control in Waukesha, WI as the temperatures drop, it’s important to understand why it’s happening, what pests to look out for, and what steps you can take to protect your home.

Why Does the Fall Bring New Pest Problems?

Insects start going through a process called “overwintering” when temperatures drop to prepare themselves to survive the winter. Many insects are looking for a warm place to enter diapause, a hibernation-like state, and your home with all the cozy, fall vibes may be the perfect environment for them. As plants and vegetation outside begin to die, insects also need to find new food sources. If there are any open spaces around doors, windows, or your foundation, they will take advantage of this to find needed resources in your home.

Worst Fall Pests in Waukesha

Boxelder bugs are easy to spot with their black bodies and distinctive red-orange lines on their backs. They eat seeds from boxelder, ash, and maple trees, all of which are very common in Waukesha and other areas around Milwaukee. In the spring and summer, these bugs spend their days feeding on these trees and are pretty unnoticeable, but in the fall, they start looking for a warm place to hibernate for the winter. You may also see them on the outside walls of your house absorb the warmth from direct sunlight - they hate the cold! Boxelder bugs don’t harm humans, but they can be quite a nuisance, especially in the fall months.

Stinkbugs have a shield-like shape and release a strong, distinctive odor when crushed or when they feel like they’re in danger as a defense mechanism. They eat a wide variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables, making them a particular nuisance to your garden. Like boxelder bugs, stinkbugs come out in the fall as they try to find shelter for the winter. They also may gather in large numbers on your outside wall siding. If they do find a spot to hide inside, they will also release pheromones to attract their other stinkbug friends, easily leading to an infestation.

Asian beetles look similar to ladybugs but have a distinctive “M” shape on the back of their heads and are also more aggressive in nature. In the fall, they seek the warmth of the indoors and will find any way to get indoors. They are not harmful, but when threatened, they leave behind a yellowish liquid that can stain walls and fabric. If you do find these in your home, be sure to gently vacuum them so they don’t cause stains. They also release pheromones that attract other beetles, so it’s best to prevent these invaders from coming inside if possible.

Waukesha, WI Pest Control Tips

Before temperatures drop, be sure to check for gaps around your home and seal or fix them as needed, clean up fallen leaves and other yard debris, fix any plumbing and moisture issues in your home, and do your best to keep a tidy home. All of these steps can help prevent these pests from making your home theirs during the winter months.

To help provide extra protection, call Mosquito Squad Plus at (262) 333-0395 or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote to help control pests in and around your home in Waukesha this fall!