News & Information

"It's so cold! There is no way bugs can be alive out there. So, why should I pay for winter service?" Do thoughts like this ever cross your mind?

Well, you're right. There are very few pests scurrying about outdoors. Most insects can barely move when the mercury dips near freezing. They have found a secure place to ride out the winter in a crack or void in a quiet state of "suspended animation." Nope. The ones you will see this winter are probably already inside your home.

In our fall newsletter we covered the house mouse so I will only remind you that one well-fed mouse can produce 80 fecal droppings and 3000 micro droplets of urine a day. (Tell Santa to not leave any cookie crumbs behind!)

These insects, like other occasional invaders, usually do not complete their life cycle indoors. They instinctively return outdoors in the spring. They become a problem when they accidentally enter your living space while trying to find their way outside. Unusually warm days "wake them up" prematurely and they are drawn out to "artificial sunlight" of your interior lighting or to the real thing shining through a window.

Arguably, the worst of these is the Asian Multicolored Lady Beetle. Our intrepid United States government introduced them to control aphids, scale insects and other crop pests. Unfortunately, they taste horrible and have no known predators. Once thought to be harmless, research now shows they are a common source of seasonal allergens. Other overwintering insects include boxelder bugs, stink bugs, squash bugs, cluster flies, elm leaf beetles and paper wasp queens.

Once indoors, overwintering insects are difficult to eliminate. Finding the exact crack or crevice that those ladybugs on your lampshade came from is like the needle in a haystack. Additionally, there is a chance of causing secondary pest problems if we treat the right void and eliminate the mother lode of insects. Other pests, such as dermestid beetles, may come along and feed on the carcasses after the product wears off. Physical removal, such as with a vacuum cleaner, is both fast and pesticide free.

"Pest proofing," or sealing with caulk or other type of sealant, can greatly reduce these problems. Focus on interior gaps such as around utility outlets, light fixtures, ductwork vents and window/door frames. Don't do the exterior just yet (you don't want to trap them inside and sealants don't set up well in colder temps.) Sealing exterior gaps and openings next summer along with well-timed residual applications in September and early October are best.

If you're already seeing a few of these pests, give us a call. That's what we're here for. On behalf of everyone at Action Pest Control, "Thank You" and "Happy Holidays."

Related Document: Winter 07 Newsletter.pdf (Winter 07 Newsletter)

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