The Most Common Pests That Invade Georgia Homes During The Fall, And How To Manage Them
The approach of winter brings happiness to many, if only because it means Christmas is right around the corner, but that cold weather also comes with common pests looking for some kind of shelter where they can ride out the freezing temperatures until spring arrives. There are a number of bugs that gravitate towards your home during the fall season, and discovering these unwanted holiday guests is not what most people are hoping to find under the Christmas tree. The most common bugs you’ll come across are from the Hemiptera order, also known as true bugs. These include boxelder bugs, Kudzu bugs, and brown-marmorated stink bugs, among others.
Boxelder bugs are one of the most common pests we see in Georgia. They are small (between ½ and ? of an inch) and black in color with red stripes. They are one of the main nuisance pests people have to deal with during the fall. They slip through the cracks in your walls, holes in window and door screens, and even right past you as you open the door to the outside. It is common to find individual bugs as well as groups of adults and nymphs that are overwintering inside your home. The best way to deal with these pests is to make sure all window and door screens are intact, seal up any cracks in the walls or foundation, and install doorsweeps. While they are a nuisance, boxelder bugs are harmless, so if you spot one, using a vacuum to catch it is the easiest and cleanest way to dispose of them.
Kudzu bugs are another common pest and nuisance that invades people’s homes during the fall months. They are small, with coloring ranging from green to brown, and stipples on their wing covers. Unlike Boxelder bugs, kudzu bugs have a distinct and unpleasant odor that singles them out. They are actually native to Asia, and were first encountered in Georgia in 2009. Preventing kudzu bugs from entering your home in the first place is the best way to handle them. Make sure window and door screens are free of holes, doorsweeps are installed, and that you don’t leave any exterior doors open. You also want to seal all cracks that are an ? of an inch or wider and apply insecticide sprays to potential entry points. For these pests, you will want to continue to reapply the spray throughout November. Again, a vacuum is your best tool when disposing of stray bugs you may stumble across.
Have you come across any pests settling in your home this fall and what do you do to either treat or prevent their invasion?
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If you’re looking to prepare your home or business to prevent invasion or need help addressing an existing pest infestation, don’t hesitate to call your local Bug Busters center. Our team of professionals can help you diagnose, locate, and eradicate the pests invading your spaces. Contact us today. Serving the Southeast since 1984.
