Before the winter season, we offer prevention treatments to prevent homes from becoming overtaken by stink bugs and other overwintering insects. Remember, just as you want to enjoy a warm, cozy winter, so do these pests. Keep your home free of overwintering insects with Be Gone Pest Solutions. Reach out to us today at 425-738-2154 and let our expertise guide you towards a pest-free home. When it comes to pests, we have one simple rule: Be Gone
As fall’s cool weather sets in, stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and other overwintering insects prepare for winter by seeking shelter within our homes and buildings. These uninvited guests find their way into walls, attics, and crawl spaces, turning our cozy spaces into their overwintering havens throughout the cold winter months.
As spring arrives and temperatures begin to rise, these overwintering insects emerge from their winter retreats. Initially confined within walls, attics, and crawl spaces, they start venturing into living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas of the house. Unfortunately, due to their overwintering habit, many of these insects find themselves sealed within the home, leading to an unpleasant surprise for homeowners as their houses become overrun with these re-emerging pests.
As the last days of summer in Western Washington transition into the crisp, cool days of fall, many of us anticipate the warm comforts of our homes. However, we are not alone in this pursuit. As the climate cools, overwintering insects, including the infamous stink bugs, start looking for their own warm retreats, often finding it within the confines of our residences. Let’s explore this fascinating, albeit troublesome, behavior.
Overwintering: A Fight for Survival “Overwintering” is a term used to describe how insects like stink bugs and others survive the frigid winter season. Instead of hibernating, these insects enter a state of dormancy where they remain semi-active, emerging on warmer days, only to retreat back into their dormant state when the cold snaps return. As winter approaches, they instinctively seek out warm, secluded spots. Often, these spots end up being our homes.
Overwintering Insects in Western Washington: The Stink Bug and More among the plethora of overwintering insects in Western Washington, the stink bug stands out, not least for the distinctive odor it releases when threatened. They have a distinctive shield shape and can vary in color from green to brown. While these bugs don’t pose a direct threat to humans, their overwintering habits can make them a nuisance in homes.
Apart from stink bugs, Western Washington also encounters a host of other overwintering insects like ladybugs and boxelder bugs. Similar to stink bugs, these insects will find ways into homes to overwinter, causing similar inconveniences.
Breaking and Entering: How They Invade Your Homes Overwintering insects, including stink bugs, are surprisingly skilled at infiltrating homes. They can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices, enter through window frames, door gaps, and any other small openings they can find. Once inside, they’ll hide in quiet, undisturbed areas like wall voids, attics, or beneath sidings.
Their invasion usually begins in the early fall when the temperatures start to drop. Stink bugs and other overwintering insects are drawn to the sunlit side of the house, where warmth radiates off the exterior. From there, they find ways into the house, often gathering in large numbers. Homeowners may not even notice their presence until the warmth inside the home triggers their activity, causing them to emerge from hiding.
Why Should You Be Concerned? While most overwintering insects, including stink bugs, are merely a nuisance, they can, in large numbers, become an annoyance and potential allergen source for some people. Moreover, come spring, these pests can wreak havoc on local vegetation and agricultural crops when they emerge from their overwintering sites ravenous.