With winter comes cold weather, and cold weather means more time cooped up in your cozy home. Unfortunately, there are a great number of pests that also search for a warm place to build nests and hibernate. This means less time relaxing and more time dealing with pesky winter bugs in your house.
Here is a list of seven winter bugs that commonly invade homes in the winter.
Ladybugs
These orange-red bugs search for warm dwellings in large groups so they can hibernate. While they don’t cause damage, they can secrete a yellow fluid that can stain floors and fabrics as well as cause foul odors.
The simplest way to deal with ladybugs is to vacuum them up and release them outside.
Stinkbugs
These brown marbled critters are named for the bad smell they release when squished or stressed. Luckily these are one of the winter bugs in houses that typically don’t cause damage to your home.
Don’t squish these bugs. Use a vacuum-and-release method to avoid foul odors in your home.
Moth Flies
These small flies are often mistaken for fruit flies due to their small size but possess moth-like features that set them apart. The moth flies rarely cause damage but can grow to be a nuisance in your house.
Cleanliness is the key to dealing with moth flies. Eliminate any leaks or standing water, and clean up any garbage outside.
Boxelder Bugs
Probably the most likely bug on the list to invade your home in the winter, these orange and black bugs can secrete a staining fluid when stressed. Quiet, dark spots are the most likely places to find these winter bugs in houses.
Winged Carpenter Ants
Winged ants are never a good sign. If you see these during wintertime, it’s very likely that there is a nest within your home. They love to nest in wet or rotting wood.
Baits and traps can be effective with these pests. Hiring a professional may also be a wise course of action.
Spiders
While not technically a bug, spiders can be quite a nuisance if you are afraid of them. It’s best to capture and release spiders as most of them are not harmful and can help reduce the number of pests within your home.
To deter this type of winter bugs in houses, reduce the amount of clutter around the home and make sure that all your doors, windows, and other cracks within your home are sealed.
Bed Bugs
These brown, striped pests have been on the rise in the U.S. over the last few years. Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate as most over-the-counter pesticides are ineffective.
If you suspect bed bugs are within your home, contact a reputable professional immediately.
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