As the weather cools down in Alpharetta, you're probably looking forward to cozying up indoors and taking a break from yard work. But there's a possible downside to the upcoming winter transition: overwintering pests like stink bugs and wasps are looking for warmth and shelter, and your home is a prime target. This season, Alpharetta homeowners need to take a proactive approach to keeping these bugs and wasps out for a pest-free winter.
In this guide, we'll dive into the best preventative steps, common entry points for these pests, and ways to keep your home sealed and protected.
Why Stink Bugs and Wasps Are Winter Pests
Stink bugs and wasps are known as "overwintering" pests, which means they seek out warm spaces to shelter through the winter months. While these insects are often active outside in the summer, they go into a type of hibernation when temperatures drop. Unfortunately, they often choose homes to escape the cold, sneaking in through tiny gaps and cracks. Let's take a look at why these pests are so persistent in making their way inside:
Stink Bugs: Known for their unpleasant odor when disturbed, stink bugs are a nuisance, especially in homes with multiple entry points. These insects are skilled at slipping through even the tiniest cracks, making them one of the trickiest pests to keep out.
Wasps: Although wasps are more commonly associated with summer, many wasp species, including yellow jackets and paper wasps, hibernate during the colder months. They look for warm, dry locations like attics, eaves, and even wall voids, only to reemerge when temperatures rise in spring.
Identifying Common Entry Points in Alpharetta Homes
Keeping these overwintering pests out is mainly about fortifying the common weak points in your home's defenses. The top places these pests gain entry are:
Windows and Screens: Check window screens for any rips, tears, or bent frames. Damaged screens make it easy for stink bugs and other pests to enter, and wasps may also squeeze through gaps in window frames if they sense warmth. Investing in high-quality window screening is an effective measure.
Door Thresholds: Take a look at the bottom of your exterior doors. If you can see daylight coming through, it's a sign that your threshold isn't sealed properly. Stink bugs and wasps can easily enter through these gaps, so updating your door threshold can be one of the most effective steps you can take.
Chimneys and Vents: Open chimney flues are an open invitation for wasps and other pests seeking shelter. Make sure your flue is closed when not in use, and consider installing a chimney cap to keep insects and other critters out.
Attic Vents and Soffits: Attic vents, soffits, and eaves are prone to deterioration and damage, which can create easy access points for pests. Be sure to inspect these areas for gaps or signs of damage, and install fine mesh screens to keep overwintering pests at bay.
Practical Tips to Batten Down the Hatches
Here's how Alpharetta residents can get their homes in tip-top shape before winter to keep stink bugs and wasps outside where they belong:
1. Inspect and Repair Window Screens
Damaged window screens are one of the easiest ways for pests to enter, so check each screen carefully. If you see any rips, tears, or bent frames, it's time for a repair or replacement. Opt for screens with smaller mesh sizes, as they're more effective at keeping out tiny bugs like stink bugs. Screen repair kits are available at most hardware stores, and they're a quick, affordable solution to bolster your home's defenses.
2. Upgrade Door Seals and Thresholds
Over time, door seals can wear down, leaving gaps that become big enough for pests to enter through. Weatherstripping around doors and updating thresholds can make a huge difference. Not only will this help keep pests out, but it'll also improve your home's energy efficiency by blocking drafts. Door sweeps and self-adhesive foam weatherstripping are easy-to-install options.
3. Close Chimney Flues and Install Caps
Leaving the chimney flue open during winter isn't just a fire hazard—it's also an open invitation for pests. Stink bugs, wasps, and other insects can enter through chimneys if they sense warmth from your fireplace. Install a chimney cap, if you don't already have one, and keep the flue closed when not in use. Caps with mesh sides are ideal for preventing wasps from entering and are widely available in home improvement stores.
4. Seal Attic Vents with Fine Mesh Screens
Many homes in Alpharetta have attic vents to allow proper ventilation, but without proper screening, they're also prime entry points for overwintering pests. Fine mesh screens allow airflow while keeping pests out, and you can install them over vents and soffits. Be sure to inspect the attic vents yearly, as humidity and wear can weaken screens over time.
5. Apply Caulk and Expandable Foam to Fill Gaps
One of the best ways to keep overwintering pests out is by sealing cracks and crevices with caulk or expandable foam. Check around the exterior of your home for any gaps in siding, around windows, and where pipes and cables enter. Even a small crack can let pests inside, so be thorough with this inspection. Caulk is ideal for smaller gaps, while expandable foam works well for larger spaces.
6. Limit Outdoor Lighting
Stink bugs are often attracted to lights, which is why you might see them clustering around windows in the evening. Reducing outdoor lighting or using yellow "bug" lights can help reduce the number of stink bugs near your home, making it less likely that they'll find entry points.
What to Do If You Spot an Infestation
If you've already noticed stink bugs or wasps in your home, it may be best to consult with a pest control professional in Alpharetta, like BREDA Pest Management. Attempting to remove the pests on your own can sometimes worsen the issue, as wasps may become aggressive if disturbed, and stink bugs emit their unpleasant odor when squashed.
Pest Control Solutions: When to Call in the Pros
A professional pest control service can identify entry points you might have missed and use safe, effective methods to remove existing pests. Stink bug and wasp control methods often include exclusion tactics and environmentally friendly solutions to keep your home protected long-term.
Long-Term Prevention: Tips for an Annual Pest Control Routine
After sealing and securing your home, BREDA Pest Management recommends you set up a maintenance treatment schedule to prevent future pest issues. Alpharetta residents can benefit from adding these annual tasks to their pest prevention routine:
Seasonal Inspections: Perform a full home inspection every fall to check for new cracks, loose screens, or other vulnerabilities.
Routine Door and Window Maintenance: Keep up with weatherstripping and screen repairs, especially after stormy seasons.
Gutter and Roof Clean-Up: Clear out debris from gutters and inspect roofline seals regularly to keep pests out and prevent water damage.
A Winter-Ready Home in Alpharetta
By following these batten-down-the-hatch methods, you can enjoy a peaceful winter free from stink bugs, wasps, and other overwintering pests. Start with an inspection of your home's vulnerable points, make necessary repairs, and stay vigilant with annual maintenance. With a few preventative steps, you can keep your home pest-free through winter and beyond.
If you find yourself needing pest control and want it handled thoroughly, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to fix your pest problem and keep it fixed—no matter the circumstances. Schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
