As summer weather begins to shift and the cooler days of fall approach, many pest populations will die out. However, there are a couple of types of insects common in Georgia that will multiply drastically and invade homes to overwinter: boxelder bugs and stink bugs! During the spring and summer, these odorous insects spend their time outdoors, likely in trees and thus away from human activity. However, they infamously look for structures to invade in the fall, which is why it’s important to know how to protect your home from these autumn invaders!

Boxelder Bug and Stink Bug Habits

Boxelder bugs may look frightening with their red markings, but they are mostly harmless. True to their name, they are most commonly found in boxelder trees but are often in ash trees as well. Although they won’t attack humans, they can be defensive if threatened and may bite. During the fall, they will congregate in large numbers on the sides of buildings or wherever the sun hits.

Just as their name implies, stink bugs emit a foul odor when crushed or threatened. These gray-brown beetle-looking insects have a triangular-shaped plate on their backs. Although they don’t cause damage and won’t bite humans, they can become a real nuisance when they invade homes through gaps around windows or doors. Inside, they hide behind walls, in crawl spaces, and more.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs

The best way to control a fall pest infestation is to reduce these insects’ chances of making their way inside your property in the first place! Some of the things you can do to help prevent boxelder bugs and stink bugs include:

• Clean out all the debris in your yard and around the foundation of your home.
• Eliminate typical hiding places for these insects, including decorative rocks, patio furniture, and piles of wood.
• Repair damaged screens and seal any cracks or crevices around your property. Double-check that your roof does not have any cracks.
• Fix any moisture problems, including leaky pipes and faucets.
• Just as you would to try and avoid other pests, always keep a clean and tidy atmosphere indoors.

The Importance of Fall Pest Control

If you’ve done all you can to prevent boxelder bugs or stink bugs and still find them inside your property this fall, it’s time to call a professional. The experts at Active Pest Control know how much of a nuisance these insects can be, and have what it takes to not only control any current infestations but prevent future ones from happening as well. Call our team today to learn how we can help protect you from these fall pests!