Autumn Pest Control Part 2
In part one of our autumn pest control posts we highlighted the insect activities that you’re likely to see in the fall. Most certainly the activity that caught your eye was insects moving indoors to get out of the cold.
They can be real pests if insects decide to move in without your permission. Some can even cause damage and sanitary problems. While it’s important to address the problem indoors, you’ll also want to make sure it’s handled outdoors as well to avoid infestations of your plants and garden come spring.
What to Watch for Indoors
As mentioned in the previous post insects may begin to move closer to your home as they seek out heat. Even if it’s just a few bugs the problem can quickly get out of hand. Insects like to spread the word to their buddies once they’ve found a warm winter spot. Some species can even use pheromones that create a chemical signal that lets others know where they are.
The bugs you’re most likely to see in your home as winter approaches are:
- Ants
- Spiders
- Ladybugs
- Boxelder bugs
- Stink bugs
- Flies
If you notice bugs beginning to congregate on the sides of your home, around the foundation or the windowsill it’s time to act. Their next move will be finding a way indoors so they can get even warmer.
Seal up any cracks around the foundation, windows and doors. You may even want to spray pesticide around the perimeter to keep bugs at bay. Don’t forget your garage. It may not be a part of the living space, but it’s still a hassle to get rid of insects after they’ve moved in and they’ll be one step closer to getting inside.
If carpenter ants set up shop it’s time to call a professional exterminator. Carpenter ants can do serious structural damage if left untreated and they are resistant to many bait traps.
Remember most of these insects aren’t dangerous and won’t cause damage. But if they grow in numbers they can become a real problem. Preventative measures are always best, but acting swiftly once bugs are detected is equally as important.
What to Watch for Outdoors
There are a lot of bugs that prefer to remain outdoors despite the cold. They’ll often seek shelter in hollow trees or under rocks and debris. While they aren’t as pesky as pests that move indoors, it’s still not desirable to have them in your yard.
Have a fall clean up to remove any built up debris of leaves and bark. If you’ve got fallen limbs or hollow stumps get rid of those as well since they are prime real estate for insects. Another precautionary measure for keeping shelter-seeking bugs in check is to cut bushes and branches away from the home so that foliage isn’t making contact with the house.
Autumn is when many bugs get active before settling down. Fall is the time for you to get active too – in pest control. Keep an eye out for the warning signs, take precautions to protect your property and call in the pros if a home invasion becomes an infestation.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/seasonalpests/autumn-pest-control-part-2
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