Pests That Have to Keep Warm in the Winter
They may not be warm-blooded, but insects are just as susceptible to the cold as we are. Over the years different insect species have come up with strategies for making it through the winter. Some insects burrow into the ground, others hibernate in cocoons and a few seek out shelter in your warm home. The bugs below belong to the latter group, which means you may spot them while they’re taking an indoor winter retreat.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, are one of the most notorious overwintering bugs. They’ll group together in large numbers laying dormant until it warms up outside. Asian lady beetles are also known to do this.
Mosquitoes
Many people mistakenly think that mosquitoes die off during the fall and winter. Unfortunately, mosquito control isn’t that easy. Many species survive the winter as adults by finding a warm spot in a wall cavity.
Wasps
Wasps may not get in your home, but they will scout out locations on the exterior that can be used as shelter in the winter. The most common spots that you’ll see them are the eaves and overhangs – basically the same spots they prefer during the spring and summer months.
Yellowjackets
Just like wasps, yellowjackets also have to seek out a warm spot to overwinter as adults. The fertilized queen has to find a warm place if she hopes to survive and restart a colony in the spring.
Elm Leaf Beetles
These sneaky insects like to find tucked away spots in attics and wall cavities. It’s the only way adult insects can survive the cold months.
Conifer Seed Bugs
Considered a “true” bug means that these guys have to seek shelter during the winter. If not, they’ll be left out in the elements where they’ll likely die.
Stink Bugs
These nasty critters don’t just make a mess on exterior walls. In order to get through the cold winter they’ll often look for a warm spot inside a home.
Cluster Flies
Seeing flies inside your house in the dead of winter can throw you for a loop since they’re commonly seen buzzing around spring and summer picnics. But cluster flies can hang around all year if they are able to get indoors.
Boxelder Beetles
Like elm leaf beetles, during the winter boxelder beetles stow away in wall cavities and other hidden away spots in homes.
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
The mourning cloak butterfly is one of the few butterflies that overwinter in homes. They’ll remain dormant while it’s cold and reawaken when spring rolls around.
Whiteflies
If you bring houseplants indoors for the winter there’s a chance that whiteflies hitched a ride inside. These subtropical insects can’t survive outside when the temperatures drop. So instead, they wait it out in houseplants or greenhouses.
Spiders
If spiders have already adapted to living indoors they’ll stay there year round. Unlike other bugs they’ll remain active and may enjoy having additional bugs to feast on during the winter.
Ants
You may not see ants in your home, but there is a good chance you’ll see them in your yard not far from the foundation. The colonies remain active during the winter months, however, they spend their time nesting underground.
In warmer climates like Alabama year round pest control is the most effective way to control insects. Even if they aren’t active in your home during the winter, when they do reawaken in the spring they can wreak havoc. If you’ve noticed bugs in your home or want to make sure they are taken care of before spring give Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. a call to discuss winter pest control treatments.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/seasonalpests/pests-that-have-to-keep-warm-in-the-winter/