Home invading insects

Numerous calls this week about insect pests inside the home.  Most likely problems will be Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles and Box Elder Bugs coming out of dormancy with the warmer weather.  Both critters will overwinter in the smallest nooks and crannies of our homes, in our walls, and attic spaces.  Longer, warmer days are increasing the temperatures in their nesting spots and they are becoming active.  However, the temperatures outdoors is still too low for their survival, so they are heading into our homes instead!

The short answer, vacuum them as you see them.  They’ll stop coming in when the outdoor temperatues allow for them to go out.

More information

• Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles (PDF)
• Box Elder Bugs (PDF)