Alabama Cool Down: Pests to Expect This Fall
Do you feel that? It’s the temperature dropping below blazing hot. This month Alabama residents will begin to see something else along with the changing weather – bugs.
In the southeast we have four distinct insect seasons, and fall is more active here compared to other parts of the country. At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. our professional pest technicians are busier than ever battling a whole new slew of insects. The monarchs are making their migration south again, but it’s these five pests that people have to worry about.
Stink bugs
These are one of the most unwelcome sights of fall. According to Cornell University experts stink bugs are most active during the fall season. Stink bugs are a big nuisance in Alabama because they like to cluster on the sunny side of homes for warmth. The only thing worse than dealing with a stink bug colony on the exterior is having to handle an infestation on the inside.
The cooler the weather gets the harder stink bugs will try to get inside where it’s climate controlled. They’ll look for the smallest crack and somehow worm their way indoors. You won’t even know they’re there until they wake up in the spring and start flying through the house.
Acorn Weevils
During autumn acorns start to fall from oak trees, but there may be more than a nut inside. Acorn weevils were given that name because the females will burrow holes into young acorns, suck out the juices and stick their fertilized eggs inside. Not long after the acorn falls off the tree, the weevil larva hatches. Once it’s out of the shell the larvae burrows into the ground where they’ll wait out the cold months.
The reproduction process of acorn weevils can negatively impact oak trees. If you have oak trees on your property be on the look out for acorns with holes.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are great in the garden because they help control plant-eating pests. But the fall is when they start seeking shelter from the winter. One spot they like to bunker down is in the attics of homes. They won’t do much damage, but large groups of ladybugs can be a real nuisance.
Boxelder Bugs
When the weather starts to cool off you’re very likely to see boxelder bugs hanging out on the side of homes across Alabama. But refrain from squashing them. Smashed boxelder bugs smell disgusting and cause stains. However, they do need to be removed. If not, the females will find their way under the siding and lay eggs. In the spring you’ll have an unpleasant infestation of baby boxelder bugs.
House Spiders
You won’t see big groups of house spiders hunkering down together in the fall, but you’ll probably start noticing more of them perched up in the corner of the ceiling. Part of the reason spiders become more active inside is because that’s where their food source is moving. As other insects like ladybugs and boxelder bugs move indoors, the spiders will follow.
Have you already noticed these bugs inching closer to your home? Want to prevent a fall insect invasion? Call Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. for a custom pest control treatment. Our expert technicians have years of experiencing working in Central Alabama throughout all four seasons!
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/seasonalpests/alabama-cool-pests-expect-fall/