Blog
Overwintering Bugs Found In Homes
1/14/14
Homeowners often think that they are safe from bugs and other pests during the winter months, that they have died off due to the cold weather, but this is actually not true. The fact is that there are many species of pests that overwinter in warm homes and buildings. And while they may not be quite as active as during the warmer months, they are still out and about and sometimes searching for food. Types of overwintering pests that are commonly found in homes include: crickets, spiders, ladybugs, stink bugs, cluster flies and others. These overwintering pests either hibernate through the winter and maybe only come out on rare warm and sunny days, or some species remain quite active throughout the winter continuously searching for food and water.
So you may be asking yourself, what exactly does overwintering mean when it comes to insects? Well overwintering is the period of time when insects like ladybugs, stinkbugs, and cluster flies seek shelter and warmth in order to survive the cold winter weather. They will hide in basement areas, attic areas, and behind walls. These overwintering pests will go into a somewhat dormant phase where their growth is halted and they do not need to eat or drink to survive. This is why many people have no idea they even have these pests in their homes! You may however notice that these pests will make appearances out in the open in your home on very warm and sunny days, but once the weather cools down again they will retreat back into their hiding spots. Other types of pests like crickets and spiders don’t truly “overwinter”, while they do seek warm, safe shelter indoors for the winter, they still remain active searching throughout your home for food (other overwintering insects) and water.
If you have noticed spiders, crickets or other species of insects in your home this winter, you should contact your local pest control company. Even if they do not seem like a serious problem, you could still have an infestation. Pest control experts will be able to inspect your home and locate the places where the spiders and overwintering insects are hiding and will be able to safely eliminate them from your home. Putting into place a year-round residential pest control plan will ensure that next fall these pests will not see your home as a Motel 6 to move into, uninvited for the winter!
For pest control in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia, call American Pest today and enjoy a pest free home all year long!