Overwintering Pests

Residents of Las Vegas will likely encounter overwintering pests because the area experiences cold temperatures during the winter months. Overwintering pests do not want to get stuck outside during the cold weather so they’ll try to invade residences in our area. A handful of pests belong to the overwintering category and you’ll learn more about them below.

Which Pests Overwinter In Las Vegas?

Numerous pests will overwinter in Las Vegas. You’ll learn about the most common overwintering pests below.

Boxelder Bugs

You’ll likely encounter this minor garden pest at some point. During the summer months, these pests stay outside and feed on trees, including boxelder trees. When winter arrives, they’re quickly going to become a nuisance for Las Vegas residents because they’ll try to hide in homes. They’re only half an inch in length. Their bodies are black with a few red marks on their wings. Boxelder bugs do not bite or transmit illnesses. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about them making you ill. They won’t damage your home either. Don’t crush boxelder bugs because doing so will lead to a small stain.

Asian Ladybugs

Asian ladybugs fit into the overwintering pest category. They might look like ordinary ladybugs, but they’re not. Before the cold winter months arrive, Asian lady beetles will desperately look for ways to enter your home. They’ll also enter other structures. These pests can bite, but they usually don’t. Don’t crush them because doing so will cause them to turn your home into a smelly mess.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are large flies that spend most of their days outside. They begin as a parasite in earthworms because emerging as larvae. Then, they’ll live the rest of their lives outside. However, it is important to understand that cluster flies are going to enter homes before the cold temperatures arrive. Despite their large size, cluster flies can enter through small gaps. As the name suggests, these flies cluster together. When they decide to leave during spring, you’ll find them in large numbers. Get rid of the mess and take steps to prevent them from entering your home next year.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

As three-quarters of an inch, leaf-footed pine seed bugs are one of the biggest overwintering pests in our area. Despite this, you can rest assured knowing they’re not dangerous or destructive. They can produce at least one new generation every year. During the summer months, they’ll stay outside and consume the seeds of pine cones. Just before winter, they’ll try to find places to stay warm. In many cases, they’ll hide behind the bark of certain trees. However, they can also enter residences through small gaps.

When the temperatures rise, you’ll likely see a lot of leaf-footed pine seed bugs around your home. Don’t worry because they’re not dangerous.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs indeed stink. They can release a foul odor when they get crushed and stressed. Therefore, it is wise to act quickly or leave them alone. During adulthood, they’ll reach half an inch in length. The bug’s back looks like a shield and it has a marbled pattern. These bugs are native to Asia but they’ve been in the United States since 1996 when the first bugs were found in Pennsylvania. Since then, they’ve been found in most American states, including Nevada. They stay outside during warm weather and damage crops. When it gets cold, they’ll find a way to enter your residence.

Using a vacuum to get rid of them is wise. Be sure to suck them up quickly to prevent them from releasing a nasty odor in your home.

Common Signs That You Have An Overwintering Pest Problem

Make sure you know how to identify an overwintering pest infestation. Once you’ve figured out how to spot them, you’ll be ready to put an end to the problem much sooner. These pests tend to enter homes in late fall before finding a place to hide. Overwintering pests usually remain hidden until the warm temperatures return. Therefore, you may not realize you have a problem until the temperatures rise. When this happens, you’re going to find a lot of overwintering pests in your home. If you find many boxelder bugs, cluster flies, or ladybugs in your home, you have an overwintering pest problem.

Avoiding Future Overwintering Pest Problems

Don’t forget to take steps to prevent overwintering pests from invading your home in the future. Doing so will make it harder for these pests to invade. Although you can’t eliminate the risk, you can reduce the likelihood that overwintering pests will take shelter in your home. The best way to stop them from invading is by properly sealing the exterior walls of your home. When doing so, it is pertinent to block the following holes and gaps.

Small Gaps To Block

When starting, be sure to focus on filling small holes and gaps. Check your home’s exterior walls carefully and block any small entry sites you find. Once you’ve sealed these gaps, these pests will have a harder time accessing your home. Blocking these access points will increase the likelihood that your home remains free of pests throughout the year.

Using A Protective Barrier Treatment Outside

Talk to a local exterminator about exterior barrier treatments because they can make a big difference. A professional will install the barrier around your home to keep pests away. Although you can purchase and use DIY products, they’re not as reliable. A professional’s industrial-strength products will eliminate more reliable and longer-lasting results.

Common Places To Check For Gaps

Brick And Mortar

If your home has bricks, there is a good chance that you’re going to find small gaps between the two of them. Check the top of the mortar because you’ll likely find a small gap where the bricks meet the siding. The gap will allow pests to enter your attic. The small hole needs to be blocked to prevent overwintering pests from entering your home. One of the best ways to do this is by using a high-quality sealant.

Window Frames

When a professional installs windows, they should caulk all sides. However, most caulk the sides and top while leaving the bottom untouched. Unfortunately, this creates a small gap for overwintering pests to exploit. You have to take steps to prevent these pests from invading using this small gap. Fill in the gap using caulk to prevent overwintering pests from entering through it.

Wood Clapboard & Fascia

Don’t forget to check the fascia boards around your home. You’ll likely find a small gap where the fascia boards meet the wooden clapboard. Again, these small gaps will allow overwintering pests and other pests to invade your home. You can fill in this gap using caulk, but it is often best to rely on a foam insulating cord.

Vents Around Attics

You’ll also need to check the vents around your soffit and attic. Any gaps need to be filled and blocked. In general, these vents should be covered by a screen. If the screen is damaged or ripped, it should be replaced right away. Otherwise, rodents and overwintering pests will be able to squeeze through the small holes.

Plumbing & Utility Lines

You’re going to find gaps around your home’s utility lines. Check the area where your plumbing pipes enter your home. Then, check the small spot where the utility cables come into the home. You will likely find a small gap here and there. It is best to fill these gaps immediately. Although you can fill them using numerous materials, it is best to use a pot scrubber. Always use a green pot scrubber because it will be more flexible and easier to work with. You can use new ones but they’re harder to deal with.

Furthermore, you should try working with a qualified professional in Las Vegas. When you’re ready to begin, contact our office. We’ll give you suggestions and tips for keeping these pests out of your home. Don’t delay contacting us because our advice could help you avoid an overwintering pest infestation.

Materials To Use

Make sure that you’re using exclusion materials to keep overwintering pests out of your home. These products are marketed as pest-proofing products because they’re designed to fill small gaps and keep pests outside. They work great for blocking overwintering pests, but they’ll stop other pests from entering your home too.

Pick A Caulk Or Sealant

When filling in small holes, it is pertinent to pick the right material. Many people will struggle to decide which material works best. Should you choose a high-quality sealant or caulk? Ultimately, it is easy to find out. When dealing with surfaces that will move due to temperature changes, use a sealant. If the surface won’t change, use caulk.

Other Materials To Use For This Purpose

You’ll also want to use a handful of other materials to block these pests from entering your home.

• When you need to fill in long gaps, it is wise to use foam insulation. Spray foams can help, but you’ll have better results using alternatives.
• When you need to block larger gaps, try using an aluminum screen. It is tough enough to keep overwintering pests out of your dwelling.
• When you need a heavy-duty screen, be sure to use a hardware cloth.
• If you need to block small gaps, use an old pot scrubber.

Contact us today for advice and tips.

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