When the air turns cool and the leaves start to drop, many Maryland homeowners notice something else changing: more bugs are making their way inside. As temperatures fall, insects and other critters start looking for warm, dry places to spend the winter. Unfortunately, our homes are high on their list.
Here’s a look at the pests that are most likely to sneak in this time of year and what you can do to stop them.
Stink Bugs
Brown marmorated stink bugs are one of the most common fall pests in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, they begin searching for overwintering spots as early as mid-September.
- The problem: Stink bugs gather on walls, windows, and ceilings and give off a strong smell if crushed. The National Wildlife Federation reports they also cause significant damage to fruit and vegetable crops, which is why they appear in such large numbers.
- How they get in: Small gaps around windows, doors, siding, and attic vents.
- What to do: Seal up cracks, check and replace worn weather-stripping, and add door sweeps if needed. Experts at the University of Maryland Extension recommends removing window air conditioners or sealing around them tightly to keep stink bugs from slipping inside. If they do get in, vacuum them up instead of squashing them to avoid the smell.
Spiders
Fall is also when spiders become more noticeable. They’re not necessarily multiplying they’re just coming inside or becoming more active as they look for a warm place to build webs.
- The problem: Even though most spiders are harmless, nobody likes walking through a web in the basement or garage.
When the air turns cool and the leaves start to drop, many Maryland homeowners notice something else changing: more bugs are making their way inside. As temperatures fall, insects and other critters start looking for warm, dry places to spend the winter. Unfortunately, our homes are high on their list.
Here’s a look at the pests that are most likely to sneak in this time of year and what you can do to stop them.
Other Pests to Watch For
The National Pest Management Association warns that several other invasive pests can become a problem in fall, including:
- Mice: Cooler weather drives them indoors where they chew wires and get into food.
- Ticks and fleas: A warm early fall can keep them active longer, especially in grassy or wooded yards.
- Boxelder bugs and lady beetles: Like stink bugs, they slip inside through tiny gaps and gather in large numbers.
Quick Prevention Tips
A little work now can keep most pests out:
- Seal gaps around windows, doors, and siding
- Replace worn-out weather-stripping and install door sweeps
- Move firewood and leaf piles away from the house
- Trim shrubs and tree branches that touch your siding or roof
- Fix leaky spigots and get rid of standing water near the foundation
- Use a vacuum to remove bugs indoors instead of crushing them
When to Call Womack Pest Control
If you’re seeing pests every day, hearing scratching in the walls, or noticing droppings in the attic or basement, it’s time to bring in a professional. Womack Pest Control can inspect your home, treat problem areas, and help you keep pests outside all season long.
Keep Your Fall Bug-Free
Autumn should be about pumpkins and cool evenings, not sharing your living room with stink bugs or spiders. A few simple steps can keep most pests out, and if they do sneak in, we’re here to help you take care of them quickly.
Schedule your fall inspection with Womack Pest Control today. What to do: Clear out storage areas, sweep away webs, and vacuum regularly to keep them from settling in.