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When fall finally arrives, we want to be able to enjoy the crisp air, beautiful foliage and upcoming holidays without worrying about unnecessary annoyances. Three fall pests that can truly infuriate even the most patient person include intrusive stink bugs, aggravating boxelder bugs and the eloquently named, but unpleasant, asian lady beetle. Here are a few ideas of how to handle these three fall pests.
Stink Bugs
The problem with these pests is that by the fall they are most active, after gathering momentum starting as early as March and April. These little critters certainly do smell foul when they get scared, disturbed or squished. Stink bugs can be identified by their five-sided body and stripe along the shoulders and abdomen.
Stink bugs will try to enter your home in the fall, especially the attic. The key to keeping the bugs at bay is to seal up all cracks in the house around areas like utility pipes, doors, chimneys, windows, siding and under any wood fascia with a quality caulk made of silicone or silicone-latex. Fix any broken screens and take out window air conditioners.
Boxelder Bugs
The boxelder tree is the primary home for these pests, hence the name. These insects are known for only causing slight damage to fruits and trees. When it comes to your home, however, boxelder bugs can be a real pain because they congregate in your walls by the hundreds. This is especially true in the fall when they are looking for a warm, winter shelter.
Once they have infiltrated your home, boxelder bugs can smell, cause filth and be rather frightening because of their large numbers, which can be especially unnerving when you have small children in the house. Sealing cracks and openings in the home is a good way to keep boxelder bugs out. Even more effective is cutting off their living space outside. Get rid of debris from landscaping, wood piles, loose tree bark, or any loose siding and plaster where these rascals will surely hide out.
Asian Lady Beetles
The Asian lady beetle is often mistaken for the ladybug because of its similar, colorful appearance. They don’t cause terrible destruction, but they are a nuisance because they travel in large numbers. This means that an infestation leads to clogged up window screens and unpleasant odors when squashed. You might even find a few in your salad from time to time. Gross!
If you find yourself dealing with these pests this fall, contact All-American Pest Control. We’ve been providing pest control in Middle Tennessee for over 50 years and have the tools and know-how to get rid of stubborn and annoying fall pests.