Fall Pests to Look out for in Massachusetts

Fall is around the corner and will be here before you know it, and this season usually means people will start noticing that various insects are getting into their homes. We call these pests “fall invaders,” “occasional invaders,” or just simply “overwintering pests.” When the weather gets cooler and the insects’ outside food sources begin to disappear, it’s time for them to come inside to spend the winter—causing an increase in fall pests in your home.

What Causes an Increase of Bugs in the Fall?

As part of their natural cycle, many insects die in the fall, but for others, the adult insect is designed to spend the winter in hiding and mate and lay eggs in the spring. Insects look for places that are protected from the elements, such as under tree bark, rotting logs, under stones, in mulch, or in firewood piles in the winter. But if there’s a house or building nearby, these insects are naturally attracted to the warmth, light, and food a home or building offers and may try to get inside—which quickly becomes a problem for you.

Which insect you may have to deal with will depend on what’s nearby. For example, if you live near orchards or fields, you may be more likely to have brown marmorated stink bugs or Asian lady beetles. If you live by trees and forests, you may see boxelder bugs or western conifer seed bugs. Some of the other types of insects you may see as the weather starts to cool are camel crickets, cluster flies, and stinging insects, especially their queens as they seek shelter from the winter. Once inside, the insects usually hide in the attic or wall voids and may not be seen until warm days in early spring when it is time to go outside.

Fall Pest Control Tips

The best way to keep these pests out of your home this fall is to have an exterior pesticide treatment around your home’s foundation. You should have an exterior pesticide treatment done soon before pests start to move in. Pest-proof your home by caulking cracks and gaps, screening vents, repairing soffits, adding door thresholds, and sealing any openings where insects can enter.

Here are a few more tips for things to do on the outside of your home:

• Move woodpiles, compost piles, piles of leaves or grass clippings, stacked boards, or stones away from the home.
• Keep mulch away from your home’s wall.
• Remove grass, weeds, and ground cover plants that touch the foundation walls.
• Drain standing water in your yard.
• Reduce outside lights, especially around doorways, as many pests are attracted to lights.
• Ventilate basements and crawlspaces to reduce moisture levels.
• Trim any shrubs or tree branches that touch the roof or sides of the house.

3 Common Fall Pests

Not only is it important to take preventative measures, but it also helps to know what you’re up against. These are some common pests you may deal with in the fall.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs have black bodies with red accents. They cluster in groups on trees and the sunny sides of homes in the fall. Once the weather cools, they seek shelter indoors. These pests will sneak through rips in screens, cracks around doors, and gaps between window frames. They’re a nuisance in the fall but are harmless to people and pets.

Stinkbugs

Stinkbugs have their name for a good reason: they stink when you crush or bother them. Sometimes, they release an odor when they’re flying or crawling around in a room. Though stinkbugs usually hide until the spring, they’ll oftentimes fly around lights and crawl on the windows if they’re inside your home during the fall. When they’re outdoors, you can find them on almost any surface, from the sides of your house to trees and deck railings.

Western Conifer Seed Bugs

Western conifer seed bugs began moving toward the East Coast in the fifties, and we’ve noticed their presence fully since the nineties. They feed on conifer seeds, which could spell trouble for the pine trees in your backyard. If you have pines, you may encounter a seed bug infestation this fall. These pests don’t cause damage to your home, but they will become a nuisance during the fall if they invade your living space.

F&W Helps Keep Your Fall Pest-Free

Fall should be a time with friends and family—not bugs. With F&W, we can help you keep your home free of these fall invaders. Whether you want regular pest control to keep them out all year long or need a treatment to get rid of an active issue, our fall pest control services are here to help you! If you believe that your home or business is experiencing pest control issues, no matter the season, please contact an F&W Pest Control professional today for a free inspection and quote.