Overwintering Pests

Professional Overwintering Pest Control San Antonio TX

The term, overwintering pest is commonly utilized in reference to a group of insect species. These particular insects spend the entire winter season and part of the spring in a hibernation-like state. Overwintering is a naturally occurring process that helps prevent the extinction of the following insect species:

• Ladybug
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug “BMSB”
• Cluster fly
• Box elder bug “boxelder bug”
• Leaf-footed pine seed bug
• Earwig
• Ant

Overwintering pest activity is at its highest in mid-spring and late fall. In mid-spring, the insect species are waking up from overwintering, preparing for the upcoming breeding season. In late fall, the insect species are preparing to enter the overwintering process.

Overwintering Pests – What You Should Know

As a San Antonio tenant, landlord, business, or homeowner, knowing as much about the overwintering pest species is crucial. Why is this information so important? It can help if ever you are faced with identifying and treating an overwintering pest inspection.

Overwintering Pest Box Elder Bug 

The mature box elder bug measures approximately ½” in length. The insect is easily identifiable, thanks to its black wings with a red outline. The diet consists of sap from seeds of the maple and box elder trees.

While not a disease-carrying insect species, the box elder bug can be intrusive. The insect secretes a pyridine substance to deter predatory animals and insects. The pyridine secretion is emitted at the first sight of danger. The box elder bug does not sting humans.

Overwintering Pest Lady Bug 

The ladybug is a small insect, similar to the turtle, in that it totes around a shell. Of course, the shell is significantly lighter and thinner than the turtle shell but still serves the same purposes. It protects the body and wings during flight, on takeoff, and when landing.

Ladybugs produce a pyridine secretion that acts as a defense weapon against predatory animals and insets.

Overwintering Pest Cluster Fly 

The cluster fly shares many of the same features as the common housefly. Both fly species transmit disease to humans. Cluster fly-borne illnesses include cholera, dysentery, salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, and typhoid. In severely infested areas, flies have been linked to eye infection, such as epidemic conjunctivitis in humans.

In the natural habitat, the cluster fly seeks refuge behind loose tree bark, pine trees, and vacant buildings.

Overwintering Pest Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bug 

The mature leaf-footed pine seed bug measures approximately 3/4 “long. The insect’s body is a dull, dark brown, with three sets of legs and two antennas. The diet consists of sap from seeds and cones of the pine tree. This is also where the insect takes shelter away from the harsh winter weather when overwintering.

In the natural habitat, the leaf-footed pine seed bug clusters together to withstand the harsh winter weather. The insect is not known to bite humans. However, it can be a nuisance in late fall when preparing to enter overwintering.

Overwintering Brown Marmorated Stink Bug “BMSB” 

The stinkbug is a notorious insect species in San Antonio. Nearly everyone, young and old has encountered the insect at least once in their lifetime. Like the box elder bug and ladybug, the stinkbug produces a pyridine secretion for defense against predatory mammals and insects.

The mature stinkbug measures about ½” long, with a shield-shaped body. The wings, antennas, legs, and body are marmorated or marbled, making them extremely easy to identify.

We highly recommend never crushing a stinkbug, ladybug, or box elder bug inside your home, RV, or car. Doing so will cause an eruption of pyridine secretion, which not only smells foul but stains paint, wood, and other surfaces.

Common Signs Of An Overwintering Pest Infestation

Now, you can identify the various overwintering pest, it is time to learn how to diagnose an infestation. Overwintering pest problems are more problematic in mid-April and late fall. The insect species are commonly found hanging around the exterior of the property, waiting for their opportunity to invade your home or business. The insect’s main goal is to find a warm, discrete, dark, and safe hiding place to spend the winter season.

• Live insects, alone or in clusters around the front entrance of your home
• A foul odor that is intensely obnoxious. Some people describe the odor as smelling like burnt tires, rotten eggs, and sulfur

What Is The Most Effective Overwintering Pest Management Strategy?

Our professional pest control is the most effective treatment for overwintering pests. We combine conventional or eco-friendly pesticides with adhesive traps to trap and eradicate overwintering pests. The glue traps are strategically installed in high-risk areas, such as entranceways, garages, attics, and closets.

Overwintering pests are drawn to dark areas of the home. They will take refuse inside toy boxes, unused clothes, hats, home decoration pieces, electronics, storage boxes, cabinets, furniture, and drapes. If the overwintering pest is detected in or around your property, it is crucial to initiate an immediate inspection. Inspect areas that are believed to make the insects a suitable overwintering hiding place.

What Is The Most Effective Overwintering Pest Prevention Strategy?

Keeping your property pest-free when the overwintering activity is at its highest will not be easy. However, being knowledgeable, prepared, and ready to take the appropriate action will play in your favor in the long run. It is also just as, if not even more important to prepare your home for the overwintering pest’s arrival. Sealing all potential access points is a great place to begin preparing your home.

Repair Damaged Window Screens And Screen Doors

Replace or repair screens over windows and doors to keep overwintering pests out. It may be necessary to rescreen doors, especially when the damage is too extensive to repair.

Treat Protective Barriers

Most buildings have protective barriers to prevent insect infiltration. These structural components are crucial for overwintering pest infestation. We highly recommend making the necessary repairs and improvements to bring your protective barriers up to date.

Where Are Overwintering Pests Entering Your Home?

Any exterior-to-interior opening that is large enough for the overwintering pest to squeeze its body through is an access point. These entry points are commonly found in missing and damaged mortar joints between bricks.

Replace the missing mortar with a waterproof sealant. Only utilize brand-name products for this process because unbranded sealants will wash away at the first drizzle.

Gaps Between Window Frame And Siding

It is not unusual for older homes to have gaps between window frames and siding These gaps can easily become overwintering access points. Sealing these gaps with a waterproof sealant will not only help keep insects at bay but also moisture, wind, and rainwater.

Larger openings can be filled with foam insulation, followed by a waterproof sealant. The goal is to seal off all openings in your home.

Improperly Sealed Fascia Board

Overwintering pests have flying capabilities, allowing them to utilize access points on the second level of your home. This includes the opening between the fascia and clapboard. Seal these openings with foam insulation or waterproof silicone.

Gaps Between Attic Vents And Soffit

Seal all openings between soffit and attic vents with waterproof caulk. Utilize a metal screen to cover larger openings.

Public Utility Passages

Seal all large openings utilized to bring the utilities into your home with thin metal sheeting. Cut the sheets to fit the openings perfectly. If necessary, you can utilize metal pot scrubbers and metal screen for medium-sized openings.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.