Seasonal Fall Invader Pest Control
What Are Fall Invaders?
“Fall invaders” are pests that actively seek warm, sheltered, and climate-controlled interiors once autumn hits. As the weather cools and resources grow scarce, these unwanted guests make their way indoors to survive the harsh winter months.
Which Pests Are Typically Involved?
Several pests commonly invade Vermont homes in the fall, including:
- Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetles
- Stink Bugs
- Boxelder Bugs
- Spiders
- Wasps
Some fall invaders may stay hidden or dormant after they get inside, which means you might not notice them until the following spring when they suddenly become active again.
Multi-colored Asian Lady Beetles
The multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis), originally brought from eastern Asia to control plant pests, has spread throughout the United States and is now common in Vermont. These beetles resemble native ladybugs, but the distinct “M” or “W” mark on their pronotum sets them apart. While they do help reduce aphids and scale insects outdoors, they often become unwelcome houseguests when autumn temperatures drop, seeking warmth and humidity inside homes.
Appearance & Signs of Infestation
Asian lady beetles range in color from pale yellow to deep red, typically covered in black spots on their wing covers. Their larvae are dark with orange markings and have a spiky appearance, while pupae look like small, orange-brown shells. Infestations usually become evident in the fall, as large numbers cluster on exterior walls and squeeze through cracks near windows or doors. You may also notice them congregating around light sources or inside wall voids and attics, where they remain dormant until spring.
Habitat, Diet & Behaviors
In Vermont, these beetles thrive in gardens and fields, feeding on pests such as aphids and scale insects. However, when food becomes scarce or temperatures drop, they congregate in hidden spaces like wall voids, attics, and behind baseboards. Although not dangerous, Asian lady beetles can emit a foul odor and leave stains if crushed. Some individuals may also experience allergies when exposed to the beetles’ defensive fluids.
Controlling & Preventing Infestations
Once Asian lady beetles invade a home, it can be challenging to remove them without professional help. Pulaski Pest Control can apply targeted treatments to eliminate existing insects, seal potential entry points, and provide long-term protection against future infestations. Simple measures like closing gaps in siding, caulking windows, installing tight-fitting screens, and reducing exterior lighting can also deter these beetles. If you suspect an infestation, contact Pulaski Pest Control for expert advice and effective solutions.
Brown Marmorated Stinkbug
The brown marmorated (“marble-like”) stink bug can display a variety of color patterns, ranging from red or copper to gray, black, or brown, but most commonly appears in shades of dark brown. Adults measure between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch long and have a distinctive shield-shaped body. Their undersides are generally pale, while the top surface carries white banding on the antennae and abdomen. Younger nymphs lack wings, feature red and black coloring, and sport noticeable white markings on their legs and antennae.
Stink bugs have glands that release a foul odor when they feel threatened, serving as a defense against predators. While they pose no direct threat to humans (they don’t bite or sting), they can cause unpleasant smells and stains if crushed. In Vermont’s cold months, stink bugs go into a state of hibernation unless they manage to find their way indoors. Once inside, home heating and bright lighting may confuse them into becoming active during winter. Keep an eye out in early spring for any that emerge from hiding spots, as this could signal an infestation.
Outdoors, stink bugs are notorious for ruining crops and wreaking havoc in gardens. They often enter homes in the fall or early winter in search of warmth and shelter, commonly gathering around lights or windows. To keep stink bugs at bay, it’s best to seal cracks, fix gaps around doors and windows, remove branches that touch or hang over your home, keep moisture levels low in basements and crawlspaces, and turn off outdoor lights when not needed.
When prevention isn’t enough, call Pulaski Pest Control for a thorough stink bug solution. We can identify infestations, treat affected areas, and take steps to ensure stink bugs won’t return. If you suspect stink bugs have already settled in, reach out to Pulaski Pest Control for an inspection and customized pest management plan today.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are a frequent nuisance across the United States and can also become a headache for Vermont homeowners. Known for their striking black bodies and red markings, these insects often cluster in large groups, making them a challenge for anyone uncomfortable around bugs. While boxelder bugs aren’t harmful to people or pets, their sheer numbers and tendency to congregate can be overwhelming. They feed primarily on boxelder trees but they’ll happily eat almost any kind of maple tree. During cooler months, they search for warmth, settling indoors to wait out Vermont’s cold season.
These pests are easy to identify thanks to their red-and-black coloration. Boxelder bugs often become active in spring when they wake up hungry from winter dormancy, but “boxelder season” in Vermont can stretch into fall, as their populations balloon throughout summer. Come winter, they seek heated spaces like crawl spaces, attics, and insulation—often resting behind walls or window frames.
Although their slow-moving nature makes them easy to catch, a large infestation requires more than just casual removal. Basic do-it-yourself methods include vacuuming them up, trapping them in soapy water under a lamp, or squashing them (though be prepared for a mild odor). Mowing the lawn regularly to reduce fallen acer seeds, wiping down surfaces where they cluster (to remove pheromones), and sealing up cracks around windows, doors, and other potential entry points can all deter them. However, chemical pesticides can be risky without proper training, and they may not offer a permanent solution.
If you’re tired of battling a large boxelder bug population on your own or simply want a more reliable approach, call on Pulaski Pest Control. We know the habits and biology of these invasive insects and can develop a tailored strategy to rid your home or business of them for good. Rather than wrestling with unwieldy DIY pesticides or dealing with an endless bug cleanup, let us provide long-lasting peace of mind.