How to Keep Bugs Out This Fall: Tips from Bigfoot Pest Management

As fall settles in and temperatures begin to drop, many insects start preparing for overwintering—their version of hibernation. Now is the perfect time to take preventive measures to keep bugs from seeking refuge in your home before the leaves fall and snow begins to cover the ground.

At Bigfoot Pest Management, we specialize in protecting homes and businesses from these seasonal invaders. Whether you’re in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, or any surrounding community, our experts are here to help.

Why Insects Enter Your Home in Fall

Your home offers the same comfort to insects as it does to you: warmth, safety, and shelter. Insects looking to overwinter will often seek out hidden areas like attics, wall voids, and vents. You may not notice these uninvited guests right away, but they could be causing unseen damage or creating unsanitary conditions.

Common Overwintering Pests in the Pacific Northwest

Before we get into prevention tips, it’s essential to know what pests might try to invade your home this season. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common overwintering pests:

1. Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs 
   These shield-shaped insects, with their distinctive brown bodies and light-and-dark banding, can give off an unpleasant odor when disturbed. They often enter older homes and structures, seeking warmth for the winter.
2. Boxelder Bugs
   These black bugs, marked with red lines forming a “V” on their backs, feed on ash and maple trees. If you have these trees nearby, you’re more likely to see boxelder bugs trying to get into your home this fall.
3. Cluster Flies
   Often mistaken for houseflies, cluster flies are large, gray flies that gather around windows. They seek out structures near lawns with healthy worm populations since their larvae feed on earthworms.
4. Asian and Domestic Lady Beetles
   The Asian Lady Beetle, an invasive species, can be identified by a black and white “M” or “W” shape on its head. Their native counterparts, Domestic Lady Beetles, also become an issue when they overwinter in homes, often secreting foul-smelling liquids when threatened.

Overwintering Pest Myths – Busted!

There are several misconceptions about overwintering pests that we want to clear up:

• Myth #1: Pesticides are the best solution.
  Using pesticides on overwintering pests inside your home can actually cause more problems. Dead insects trapped in wall voids can attract other pests and give off foul odors.
• Myth #2: Overwintering pests will damage your home.
  These pests don’t cause structural damage, though they might leave behind stains or odors. They’re mainly a nuisance and can create unsanitary conditions in severe infestations.
• Myth #3: Overwintering pests multiply in your home.
  Overwintering pests don’t reproduce inside. Once they’ve found a cozy spot, they stay dormant until spring.

Pro Tips: How to Keep Bugs Out

Prevention is the best defense against overwintering pests. Here’s how you can get ahead of the problem:

1. Inspect and Seal Entry Points
   Check for cracks, gaps, or holes around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. Make sure screens are intact, and seal up any openings around electrical outlets, water spigots, or utility lines.
2. Reduce Clutter
   Pests love to hide in cluttered areas, both inside and outside your home. Clear away unnecessary items and keep your space organized to reduce hiding spots.
3. Manage Moisture
   Ensure proper drainage around your home to avoid moisture buildup, which can attract pests. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes.
4. Store Firewood Away
   Keep firewood and outdoor materials at least 20 feet away from your home to discourage pests from nesting nearby.
5. Monitor South and West Sides of Your Home
   These areas get the most sunlight, making them prime spots for pests to gather. Inspect these sides closely and take extra care to seal any gaps.

What to Do If You Find Bugs Inside This Fall?

If you notice a few invaders inside, don’t panic. One of the easiest ways to remove them is by vacuuming. After vacuuming, be sure to dispose of the bag or clean the filter to prevent the insects from escaping.

By following these simple steps and using environmentally-friendly methods like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), you can keep your home pest-free this fall.

Need Help? Call Bigfoot Pest Management!

Sometimes, even the best prevention isn’t enough to stop determined pests. If you need professional help, Bigfoot Pest Management is here for you. We proudly serve Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and the surrounding communities, offering expert pest control solutions tailored to your needs. Call us today at (360) 789-5295 to schedule an inspection or get more information on our services.