Why Overwintering Bugs Gather on Grand Haven Homes Before Winter

Just like people seeking out fire pits or indoor places, pests seek warmth and shelter as temperatures drop. On sunny, fall afternoons, the sun will warm materials like brick, siding, or stone, drawing in different insects to bask in the warmth.

We must also take into consideration Lake Michigan's influence on local temperatures in the region. Grand Haven, Michigan pest control should be reflective of fluctuating temperatures and precipitation, impacting pest behavior. Mosquito Squad Plus of West Michigan Lakeshore helps manage seasonal concerns and get homes ready for winter.

Why Houses Attract Bugs

Shorter days and dropping temperatures will prompt some species of insects to begin finding shelter rather than solely seeking food. As these pests are looking for shelter, they will take advantage of gaps beneath the siding, around windows, and overgrown landscaping around the foundation.

Keep in mind, south- and west-facing walls typically retain warmth longer and may result in pests already sheltering to stir during sunny afternoons. Our team can help homeowners identify occasional pest invaders and how they may gain access to the house.

Boxelder Bugs Seek Sunshine

Black with red-orange markings, boxelder bugs spend summer in and around trees, but once temperatures begin dipping, they gather on the warmest surfaces they can find before seeking shelter for winter. They aren't known to cause structural damage, but may leave staining on fabrics and walls.

Asian Lady Beetles Gather

You may call them ladybugs, but Asian lady beetles are an invasive species and spend the summer months feeding and breeding. This species favors warm and brightly colored surfaces, typically moving in large groups. Not all Asian lady beetles are red; they may also present as a yellow-orange color and can leave stains behind.

Species Follow Different Patterns

Some species appear near the house for shelter, but that is not the only reason you may see pests.

• Spiders are more likely to appear where their prey is. So may follow other insects closer to the house.
• Not all ticks go dormant in the winter. Some don't even reach maturity until the end of summer and remain active as long as temperatures are above freezing.
• Mice and rats are driven by both shelter and food needs. Take the time to keep food sources sealed and store belongings in plastic, closed storage bins.

Warm Weather Revives Activity

Now, once cold weather has been established, seeing a bug near windows or doors does not mean it is a new incursion. Insects may have sought shelter in the house or in crevices around the exterior. May begin moving around on particularly sunny days or if indoor heating warms up the house enough. Overwintering invaders generally don't reproduce inside houses.

Prepare Before Winter

Homeowners can take a few simple steps to help limit pest access to the house.

• Check access around windows and doors, replacing worn weatherstripping or damaged window screens.
• Utility lines coming into the house are also a concern; any damaged or worn-out seals should be re-caulked.
• Vacuum up isolated insects rather than crushing them, which can create odors or stains. Removing signs of pests can also help keep track of reappearing webs, shed skins, or droppings.

Contact the West Michigan Lakeshore team or call (616) 426-6776 for a free quote over the phone. Early attention can limit the number of unwelcome visitors settling into sheltered spaces.