Autumn in New Jersey is beautiful. Look outside your window and you’re bound to see trees full of color and lawns still vibrant and green. Behind the scenes, though, many pests are working overtime in preparation for the winter. There’s a reason why you may be seeing an influx of beetles, wasps, and spiders around your home. Below we share five of the most common pests that are active in the fall.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are often appreciated for their ability to defend leafy crops, but this isn’t the case come October. At this time of the year, ladybugs are often found clinging to buildings and homes in hopes of finding a warm place to call home. While a few Asian lady beetles are fine here and there, an infestation is not. They can cause staining and a foul odor if squashed. The good news is that ladybugs don’t breed or lay eggs. Once they die, that’s it. Your best defense is to vacuum or sweep them up.
Spiders
This time of the year also brings about everyone’s favorite – spiders! Although spiders may be more visible at this time of the year, it’s not because they are coming indoors to get warm. It’s because the male spiders are looking for female spiders to mate with. Interestingly, spiders do not shiver or get cold when the temperatures drop. They simply become less active and eventually dormant.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs seek shelter when the weather gets colder, so they are commonly found hanging around homes and buildings. These pests can damage fruits and plants in your yard, so you definitely want to keep them away. The best approach is prevention. Make sure your home is properly sealed going into the cooler weather. If you do catch a stink bug, avoid squashing it, otherwise it will release its foul odor. You can vacuum these pests up or trap them in a plastic soda bottle. If you have an infestation, you may need help from an exterminator.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are around in the spring and summer, though they are too busy feeding for you to notice them. As the leaves start to fall off the trees in autumn, boxelder bugs look for a place to hibernate for the winter. Only full-grown adults can survive the winter, but these bugs can fly an amazing two miles! Fortunately, boxelders do not sting or spread disease, and they won’t damage homes or gardens.
Bees
Go to any park or picnic spot, and you’re bound to be joined by aggressive bees. It’s not your imagination that bees are worse during the fall. They emerge from their nests in early summer, so there are plenty more at this time of the year. Also, bees are more aggressive in fall because they are preparing the queen for the winter. If you have more than a few bees hanging around your home, contact a pest control expert who can get things under control. You deserve to enjoy your yard without the fear of being stung.
The fall is a beautiful time of year, but many pests are looking for a warm place to call home for the winter. Don’t let this home be yours. Contact Heritage Pest Control for the professional pest control services you need.