Overwintering Pests

Overwintering pests can be found across Canada. Unfortunately, these pests can create major problems for residents of Winnipeg MB. Our technicians have been eliminating overwintering pests for many, many years. Therefore, we’re confident that we’ll be able to remedy the problem quicker than our competitors. We can eliminate all overwintering pests, including boxelder bugs, Asian lady bugs, stink bugs, and more.

Which Overwintering Pests Should You Worry About?

In Winnipeg MB, our clients primarily must worry about boxelder bugs, stink bugs, Asian lady bugs, and cluster flies. These pests will be explored in greater depth below.

Asian Lady Beetles

First and foremost, you’re going to encounter Asian lady beetles. Before the cold winter months arrive, Asian lady bugs will try to find a way to invade your home. Once they’ve done that, they’ll find a place to hide. Although they’re not dangerous, these pests will release a bad odor when they’re crushed. Suck them up with a vacuum instead.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs destroy gardens during the warm months. They stay outside and feed on maple tree seeds and boxelder tree seeds. Before winter comes, these pests are going to desperately look for a way to invade your residence. Boxelder bugs are only half an inch in length so they can easily slip through the smallest holes and gaps. Like other overwintering pests, they’re not dangerous. Plus, these pests aren’t going to damage your home.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies are other overwintering pests in our area. These pests tend to spend their entire lifecycles outside, but they will enter homes from time to time. As soon as the temperatures drop, the cluster flies around your property will try to enter your home and seek shelter from the brutal elements. Besides hiding in your home, they can also hide behind wood planks and tree bark. They cluster so you’re going to find a large group of cluster flies trying to leave your home in spring.

Leaf-Footed Pine Seed Bugs

Leaf-footed pine seed bugs want to remain outside. However, they cannot survive outside when the temperatures drop below freezing. Therefore, they’ll try to take shelter in your home. When they reach adulthood, leaf-footed pine seed bugs can grow up to three-quarters of an inch. They can hide behind loose tree bark, but they’ll sneak into your home as well. Despite their large size, they can enter homes through the smallest gaps. They’ll stay there until the temperatures rise.

Their presence is going to frighten you. Take a deep breath and rest assured knowing these pests can’t hurt you.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Finally, Winnipeg MB residents may encounter stink bugs. Brown marmorated stink bugs are roughly half an inch in length. These pests release a foul odor when they’re crushed and scared. Therefore, you shouldn’t rush them or try to eliminate them using conventional methods. During the warm months, stink bugs will stay outside and feed on trees and crops. If not dealt with promptly, they can destroy an entire crop. Before winter arrives, they’ll find a way to invade your residence. Again, they can hide elsewhere, but your home is an excellent shelter.

Suck them up with your vacuum cleaner and dispose of them far away from your home.

Primary Signs Of Overwintering Pests

Once overwintering pests have snuck into your Winnipeg MB home, they’re going to find a place to hide and stay put. Suffice to say, they’re not going to leave until the warm temperatures arrive. It is wise to identify the infestation much sooner. Doing so will make it easier to fix the infestation before additional problems occur. First, you should work with a qualified exterminator. Choose us and our technicians will pinpoint the problem quickly. Turn your HVAC system to a much hotter temperature. Once you’ve done that, the pests in your home will try to leave.

If you do this and find a lot of stink bugs, cluster flies, ladybugs, or boxelder bugs in your home, you had an overwintering pest problem. Besides getting rid of them, you’ll want to prepare to keep them out next winter.

Preventing Infestations Of Overwintering Pests

Thankfully, you can take steps to make it harder for these pests to invade your residence. Doing so will decrease the likelihood that overwintering pests and other pests will enter your home. First, you need to find small gaps and holes in your outer walls. Overwintering pests will use these holes to enter your home. Second, you need to seal these holes using the best materials. Below, you’ll find out where these holes can be found and how to seal them properly.

Look For Small Openings

If you suspect overwintering pests are going to try to invade your home this winter, it is pertinent to block small entry points around your home. Make sure these gaps and holes are filled with durable material. Once you’ve done that, there is a greater chance that your home will remain free of overwintering pests throughout the year.

Barrier Treatment

Don’t forget to talk to your exterminator about protective exterior barrier treatments. The treatment works exceptionally well for keeping overwintering pests away from your home. Be sure to use a professional’s services because they’ll use industrial-strength products. These products last longer and deliver more satisfactory results.

Where To Check For Holes Around Your Home

Mortar Between Bricks

First and foremost, you need to check for small gaps around your bricks and mortar. At the top of the mortar, you may find a small slot. If so, you must remember that overwintering pests can slip through that hole and enter your attic. Once they’ve done that, they’ll have easy access to the rest of your dwelling. It is pertinent to fill the gap to prevent overwintering pests from invading your residence. Use a high-quality sealant.

Look For Holes Around Window Frames

You’ll have to check for holes around your windows. You may find that most sides of the frame have been thoroughly sealed. However, not all of them are. The bottom is likely left open. You must fill the slot under the window to keep overwintering pests out. Check all the windows around your home and fill the holes accordingly.

Clapboard

Be sure to check the ends of your clapboards. Since they are uneven, they’ll likely have a small gap or two near the end. You need to block these entry points. One way to do that is by using caulk, but it is usually best to use a foam insulating cord.

Vents

You’ll need to check the vents around your attic. Although the vents are helpful for eliminating humidity problems, the vents can allow pests to enter your home. You must make sure the vent is covered by a durable screen. If the screen is damaged or ripped, replace it.

Holes Around Utility Openings

Utilities enter your home at some point. Cables run through your home and pipes do as well. Therefore, it is pertinent to make sure these openings are fully sealed. The pipes might have small holes around them. These holes should be filled to prevent bugs from entering your home. Grab your pot scrubber and stuff it into the hole. Once you’ve done that, overwintering pests won’t be able to enter through these small openings.

Remember that overwintering pests may enter your home regardless. If this happens, you should call us. We’re always eager to help and we’ll do our best to resolve the problem promptly.

Choosing The Right Materials For The Gap

It is vital to make sure you’re using the right materials for the specific gap you’re filling. Exclusion materials are designed to fill gaps and block pests from entering structures. It is wise to use these products to defend your home from overwintering pests and other common pests in Winnipeg MB. Use the advice below to ensure you pick the best material.

Caulk Or Sealant

Caulks and sealants serve the same purposes, but they’re slightly different. Therefore, you need to find out which one is best for the hole you’re dealing with. Sealants work best for sealing holes around surfaces that expand and shrink due to temperature changes. Otherwise, you should seal the gap using high-quality caulk.

What Else You Should Use

Finally, you should find other materials that can help. For instance, you should take advantage of foam insulation since it is good for sealing long gaps. It is best to avoid using spray foam insulation because it can be very messy. Aluminum screening is a good choice because it works great for filling holes of various sizes. If you need a heavy-duty screen, look no further than hardware cloth. Finally, you can also use pot scrubbers to fill holes.

If overwintering pests invade your residence, we’ll be here to call.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.