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When you’ve been in the pest control world as long as we have at All-American Pest Control, you get used to the industry lingo. Because of that, it can be easy for us to forget that there are terms that aren’t necessarily well-known to the general public. Terms like overwintering and diapause may be normal to us, but it’s possible that their definitions aren’t obvious to everyone, so let’s clear up any confusion.
Pests that enter homes in the fall when it starts to get cold out, then remain hidden inside your house until spring, are called overwintering pests. Most of these pests enter a state called diapause. This is a dormant period, similar to hibernation, in which pests suspend their development and experience lower metabolic activity. Pests often emerge from diapause during sunny, warm winter days.
One of All-American’s most common winter calls is about overwintering pests. We’ve gathered all of our most frequently asked questions about overwintering invaders so you can find all of the information you need in one place.
Which Pests Overwinter in Nashville Homes?
Not all pests that move into your house in the winter are overwintering pests. For example, rodents remain active all winter, so they are not considered overwintering pests, even though they’re likely to get inside in the winter. The most common overwintering pests in Nashville homes include:
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Stink bugs
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Boxelder bugs
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Asian lady beetles
None of these pests is particularly dangerous, but they usually enter homes in large numbers, which can make them an annoyance.
Why Do They Emerge in January?
If you’ve suddenly started to see pests in your house on a January afternoon, they didn’t just show up. In fact, they’ve probably been in your house for a few months. Overwintering pests get inside in the fall and move into wall voids and attic spaces.
On warm winter days, overwintering pests can wake up and start to move around. This is normal behavior and happens frequently in January due to the fluctuating temperatures this time of year. When the temperature drops back down, these pests will return to their hiding places and go back into diapause.
Are Overwintering Pests Dangerous?
We have good news when it comes to the danger level of overwintering pests. Although it’s never good to have pests in your house, you can rest assured that overwintering pests won’t cause major harm to your family or home. Overwintering pests:
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Don’t bite or sting
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Don’t reproduce indoors
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Don’t destroy wood or structures
The main issues with overwintering pests are the scents they give off and the stains they can leave behind. As their name suggests, stink bugs emit an unpleasant odor, but lady beetles and boxelder bugs can as well. This typically occurs when these pests are handled or squished. All of them are also able to excrete a fluid that can stain walls, curtains, and fabrics.
It’s important to note that it’s not uncommon for homeowners to mistake overwintering pests for more dangerous pests like roaches. If you have any questions or concerns about the pests you’ve seen in your house, contact All-American, and our expert technicians will help you properly identify them.
How Do They Get Into My House?
Overwintering pests can access the interior of your house through a variety of entry points. None of these pests is particularly large, so small gaps and cracks are usually big enough to let them inside. Common entry points include:
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Gaps around siding, soffits, windows, and chimneys
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Attic vents or torn screens
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Cracks in foundations or door frames
Most overwintering pests enter homes in the fall when temperatures first drop. They gather in large groups on exterior walls that have been warmed by the sun, then find their way inside. Since they have a common timeframe for getting indoors, you can use that to your advantage each fall to prevent an infestation before it occurs. By implementing preventative measures before they gather, you can avoid a problem over the winter.
How Can I Prevent Overwintering Pests?
Preventing an overwintering pest infestation starts in early fall. By sealing entry points, reducing attractants, and implementing preventative pest control from All-American Pest Control, you can be certain that overwintering pests won’t be a problem for you next winter. We recommend these prevention tips:
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Seal gaps around windows, doors, siding, and your foundation with caulk or weather stripping
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Replace or repair torn or damaged screens
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Check attic vents and siding for damage
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Turn off bright porch lights in late fall or replace the bulbs with yellow bug-deterring bulbs
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Consider getting a professional perimeter treatment in late summer or early fall
What Should I Do If I See Them Inside?
On a warm winter day, you might start seeing overwintering pests inside your house. This isn’t unusual and it’s not dangerous, but you probably still prefer not to have pests in your living spaces. There are a few safe removal methods that minimize your chances of dealing with stains or an unpleasant odor. These include:
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Vacuuming up the bugs you see with a bagged vacuum, then discarding the bag immediately
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Avoid squishing the bugs to prevent staining or odor
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Using a soapy water spray for individual bugs
We recommend not using insecticides, since they aren’t typically necessary and can be harmful to your family if not used properly.
When Should I Call a Professional?
There are a few reasons why you might decide to call All-American regarding overwintering pests. First of all, if you start seeing a bunch of them in your house on a sunny winter day, it means you have an infestation somewhere in your house. That’s a good reason to contact us so that we can help you get rid of the current infestation and prevent a new one next year.
If you’ve taken preventative measures, but are still seeing pests inside, get in touch with us. It can be easy to overlook access points, but our technicians have years of experience, so we can likely identify and correct the issue.
Have you seen pests in your house that you can’t identify? If so, give us a call right away. Hopefully they’re overwintering pests, but if they’re a more dangerous variety, the sooner they’re taken care of, the better!
Finally, if all of this sounds a little exhausting and you’d prefer to avoid an infestation altogether, get in touch with All-American Pest Control. Our Perimeter Plus treatments provide the protection your home needs to keep overwintering pests out.
Protect Your Home This January and Throughout the Year By Calling All-American Pest Control
Overwintering pests can be a major nuisance, and this is the time of year when you’re most likely to discover them. To protect your home, contact All-American today. Our services cover overwintering pests and dozens of other common home invaders, providing you with complete pest protection, both now and throughout the year.
We offer green pest control options, perimeter treatments, and much more, so you can choose the service that best meets your needs. Contact us today to schedule your free home evaluation.
Dependable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: West End Heights, Bellevue, Brick Church, Charlotte Park, 12 South, Belmont, Burton Hills, Donelson, Edgehill, Ensworth, Hillsboro Village, Hillsboro West End, Melrose, Music Row, Radnor, Shelby Park, Sylvan Park, The Nations, Wedgewood Houston, West Nashville, Whites Creek, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.