It's common for homeowners to heave a breath of relief during the winter, as the cold kills most bug pests during this season. What about those that travel and only show up during the winter months? Here's a solid look at what you need to remain on the lookout for during the coldest parts of the year.
Pests That Travel for the Winter
Pests employ a myriad of techniques to survive the winter. Some can simply withstand the cold, while others hibernate or live through the winter as eggs or larvae. Much like birds, some pests migrate to warmer climates for the winter. During the winter months, food sources like flying insects and nectar disappear, forcing some species to migrate south to warmer weather in order to find food and survive. If not handled properly, these nomadic pests can become a real nuisance in the winter months.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs tend to travel in large groups, making them problematic in the fall. Then, they seem to disappear into hibernation during winter. When early spring arrives, they emerge from hibernation and the problems really begin. Boxelder bugs start to stain walls and window treatments as they seek out light near windows and doors. Their carcasses also leave a foul odor, so don't squish them. Their foul secretion means that boxelder bugs have few natural enemies, so don't expect to rely on other insects to help manage a boxelder population.
Asian Ladybugs
Asian Ladybugs tend to migrate to hibernate during the winter and then come out again in the spring. While some pests actually do migrate for the season, others simply move indoors to enjoy the benefits of climate control as well as the easy access to food and water. Such is the case with the Asian Ladybug. These critters are attracted to light colored houses in wooded areas. If they manage to get into your house, they will come year after year. They leave pheromones behind that future generations can pick up on, alerting them of a safe place to rest during the frigid winter months.
Other Winter Pests
Mice and other rodents are the most common winter pests, followed by cockroaches, fleas, spiders and silverfish. Though sealing up the access points to your home may help to reduce their numbers, you also need to watch what is happening inside your home. If your outdoor-only pet comes in during the winter, make sure the pet and their bedding are treated for fleas, ticks and other bothersome insects. Keep your firewood elevated off the ground and leave it outside until it's needed to prevent infestations of wood-borne insects (including ants, termites and cockroaches). Carefully check your potted plants to make sure you're not bringing in one that is infested with bugs.
Whether your pest issues are lingering from fall or you have a new invasion of migratory insects, Breda Pest Management can help. Our experienced technicians have spent years working with homeowners to get their pest problems under control. Contact us today to discover the remarkable service that has made us so popular with Georgia businesses and homeowners for more than four decades.
