Although August has only just begun, autumn will be here before we know it. Many of us think of fall as our favorite season here in the Stateline. The weather is mild, the scenery is beautiful and football makes its return to our living rooms. From falling leaves to apple pie, just about everyone has something that they love about fall!
One of the best parts about fall is sitting inside a nice, warm home when the temperatures begin to drop. Unfortunately, outdoor pests also enjoy a warm environment when it starts to get chilly outside. Take a look at some of the most common fall pests in our area and find out how you can prevent them from invading your home this fall.
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
More commonly referred to as Japanese beetles, these colorful bugs are indigenous to eastern Asia and are most commonly observed in the Midwest between late September and early October. They come with a variety of markings and colorings, ranging from a dull orange to bright red with black spots or no spots at all. When these pests hatch, they congregate in large masses in sunny areas and can become a real nuisance for homeowners.
How can I get rid of them?
There are a few natural ways you can rid your home of these pests. If they’re getting into your home through cracks in your door or windows, sprinkle some food grade diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home. If there’s a large mass of beetles that have gathered together, you can even use the hose extension on your vacuum to get rid of them.
Spiders
There are dozens of species of spiders that live here in the Stateline. Spiders are very effective predators and can eliminate other insects in our home, however, if enough of them make their way indoors, spiders can become pests themselves. When the weather cools down and other outdoor bugs start to come inside, spiders are sure to follow.
How can I get rid of them?
Prevention is the best way to make sure spiders and other insects don’t become permanent houseguests. Check and see if there are any cracks between your doors, windows or anywhere on the exterior of your home and try to seal them as best as possible. Spiders love clutter, too, so clean out your basement to make sure there’s nowhere for them to hide. Traps are also relatively cheap and can help cut down on the population in your home.
Cluster flies
Cluster flies are small insects that look like common house flies – but they’re slightly different. Cluster flies are slightly larger than the common house fly and, as the name suggests, have a tendency to gather in large groups. If a couple cluster flies are able to get inside your home and lay their eggs, a nasty infestation could follow.
How can I get rid of them?
As with other insects, prevention is crucial to stopping a cluster fly infestation during the fall months. Seal any cracks around your windows and doors, but also, be sure to check around vents, siding and repair any damaged screens. Make sure to get rid of any trash and scrub any sticky, leftover food substance that could provide a food source. If a group of cluster flies hatches in your home, fly paper can be very effective in high traffic areas.
If you’ve got a pest problem and just can’t seem to find a solution, give us a call today. We offer full service pest management from expert technicians who have experience with just about every creepy, crawly critter you can imagine!
