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It’s a little disconcerting to see bugs in January, isn’t it? Insects are warm-weather pests, so seeing them in your house in the middle of winter can be confusing. How did they get inside? How are they still alive? Does this mean you have a major pest problem?
If you’ve seen bugs in your home this winter, the type of bug you’re seeing matters. At this time of year, homeowners most often notice stink bugs and boxelder bugs suddenly showing up in their homes. This sudden influx of pests doesn’t mean that the infestation is new. In fact, these pests have likely been in your home since the fall. Find out more about why you’re seeing stink bugs and boxelder bugs in your house in January below.
How Do These Bugs Get Inside Homes?
Each fall, occasional invaders, including stink bugs and boxelder bugs, begin to look for a warm place to spend the winter. They know they won’t survive outdoors, so they instinctively move towards warmth. On sunny days, they gather on the exterior walls of homes, soaking in the sun and looking for a way to get inside.
It’s easy for these bugs to find a way into your house. All they need is a small opening to gain access. The most common entry points include:
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Gaps around windows, siding, vents, and utility lines
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Loose or torn screens
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Gaps under doors
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Cracks in foundations or fascia
Once inside, boxelder bugs and stink bugs look for a secluded space where they can spend the winter. They often settle in wall voids or attic spaces where they enter a hibernation-like state called diapause.
You can be totally unaware of their presence for months, but if our Tennessee winter weather brings along a warm spell, these pests are likely to wake up and start moving around. They often come out into living spaces on warm winter days, thinking it’s time for spring. When the weather gets cold again, they’ll retreat to their sheltered hiding spots.
What Makes These Bugs So Hard to Get Rid Of?
Despite your efforts to remove the bugs you see, getting rid of an occasional invader infestation can be difficult. There are a few reasons for this. First, they’re good at hiding. Once they get into your house, they don’t hang out where you’ll see them. They head into small spaces where you’re unlikely to notice them.
Second, they release pheromones that attract other bugs. This is also why an infested home tends to experience re-infestations year after year. The bugs tell each other where to go to find a good overwintering site.
Finally, although you don’t need to worry about stink bugs or boxelder bugs reproducing in your house, they do show up in large numbers when they move in with you. Even though they only live with you for a few months before moving back outdoors, it can be difficult to eliminate an infestation because of how these pests operate.
The good news is that boxelder bugs and stink bugs are not harmful. They don’t bite or spread diseases, and they don’t cause structural damage to your home. However, they are nuisance pests, especially when you start finding dozens of them in your house. Plus, they can emit a strong odor and stain fabrics when frightened or squished, so it’s best to avoid an infestation.
What Should You Do If You See Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs Indoors?
It’s not unusual to discover an infestation of stink bugs or boxelder bugs on a nice day in January. What should you do if you start seeing bugs in your house? You have several options.
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Vacuum them! Use a bagged vacuum and discard the bag immediately after.
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Spray them with soapy water to kill on contact, then carefully remove them.
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Avoid squishing them to prevent odor and stains.
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Contact All-American Pest Control for professional services.
Although they can be annoying, a stink bug or boxelder bug infestation is a solvable problem. The pros at All-American are happy to help you solve your bug problem as quickly as possible.
How Can You Prevent Future Infestations of Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs?
Even if you have an infestation now, that doesn’t mean it has to be something you deal with year after year. In fact, there are a lot of things you can do between now and next fall to ensure that this is the last time you have to deal with occasional invaders in your house. Prevent future infestations of stink bugs and boxelder bugs by implementing the following suggestions by early fall:
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Seal cracks, small holes, and gaps with caulk or steel wool.
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Install weather stripping and door sweeps around doors and windows.
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Repair or replace torn or damaged window screens
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Switch porch lights to yellow bug-deterring bulbs
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Trim trees that touch your roof or walls
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Get routine perimeter pest control
When Should You Call a Professional?
There are a variety of reasons to contact the professionals at All-American:
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You’re seeing dozens of bugs inside your house
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Bugs are appearing daily despite vacuuming and sealing
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You’re unsure where the bugs are coming from
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You have issues with bugs year after year
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You want to avoid an infestation before it starts
The nice thing about professional pest control is that we don’t just treat the active problem; we take steps to ensure that it doesn’t return. At All-American, our technicians inspect your home, identify vulnerable areas and conducive conditions, treat your home to eliminate and prevent pests, provide follow-up services to maintain pest protection, and offer insights and suggestions to help you safeguard your home against future pest threats.
Are Stink Bugs and Boxelder Bugs Dangerous?
Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are nuisance pests. They don’t bite or damage property beyond small cosmetic stains. They don’t reproduce indoors, so you don’t have to worry about the problem growing larger. The worst thing these pests do is give off an unpleasant odor. Even so, it’s frustrating to deal with any pest, especially when they show up in large numbers.
Final Tip for Tennessee Homeowners
When you find pests in your home, it can be easy to wonder what you did wrong. In the case of boxelder bugs and stink bugs, the answer is: Nothing. Occasional invaders are an extremely common seasonal issue in Tennessee. They are an annoyance, but they’re also manageable with the right preventative measures.
All-American Pest Control recommends taking a proactive approach to occasional invaders to stop an infestation before it starts. Implementing good sealing and outdoor prep, along with routine pest control, is the best defense against boxelder bugs and stink bugs.
Partner With All-American for a Bug-Free January
When you combine your prevention strategies with All-American’s home pest control, you get the best protection possible against occasional invaders. Our Perimeter Plus service provides a protective barrier around your house. With quarterly seasonal treatments, that protective barrier is maintained throughout the year, keeping occasional invaders and other common pests out of your house. Give us a call to discuss your options or to schedule your free home evaluation today.
Expert Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas
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: Acorn Hill, Ashland City, Bethel, Burns, Chapsmanboro, Charlotte, Cumberland Furnace, Cumberland Heights, Dickson, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Vanleer, Pleasant View, Bon Aqua, Slayden, White Bluff, Tennessee City, Bell Town, Cheap Hill, Craggie Hope, Shacklett, Lyles, Hickman, Bon Aqua Junction, Dickson City, and the entire Cheatham County, Dickson 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.