Just as you and the family gather around to feast on turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, and pie, a hidden swarm of pests could have your home marked as their hopeful winter sanctuary. You may have even noticed a few scouts setting up camp. Just because we’re getting into the winter months, though, doesn’t mean you should let pests ruin your Thanksgiving festivities.
If you live in the Fairfax area, be prepared for unwanted overwintering pests this holiday season. Bagworms, ladybugs, stink bugs, aphids, and more will happily hide within your walls and window seals, hoping to hide from the colder outdoor temperatures. For help fighting them off, seek pest control Fairfax from My Pest Pros.
To learn more about how you can keep the bugs outside this holiday season, continue reading and discover whether your home is at risk, what to look for, and who to call if you find unwanted guests. My Pest Pros is here and ready to help.
Who Should You Welcome into Your Home this Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a time to come together and share with the ones you love. But before you do, it’s important to know who, or what, you’re inviting into your home. As the warmer autumn months fade into the early onset of winter, many insects will search for a place to shelter. This means your home could become the target for their winter sanctuary.
The insects are usually referred to as “overwintering” pests because they spend the cold months hiding over winter, waiting for the weather to warm back up. While they’re not actively feeding or reproducing, they can still do damage to your home. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for these unwanted guests and take steps to prevent them from coming inside.
Common Overwintering Pests in Northern Virginia
Before they ruin your Thanksgiving, take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of the top overwintering culprits in the Fairfax area.
- Bagworms: These insects may seem small and inconspicuous but they carry a sleeping bag of carcasses and debris that can do serious damage to your trees and shrubs.
- Ladybugs: While most of us are familiar with the red and black spotted beetles, there are actually dozens of different species of ladybugs. They’re attracted to the warmer temperatures inside your home and often congregate in large groups near windows.
- Stink bugs: As their name implies, stink bugs release a foul-smelling liquid when they’re threatened or squished. They’re known to invade homes in large numbers and are difficult to get rid of once they’re inside.
- Aphids: These tiny pests are often found on plants but can also infest your home. They’re attracted to the warmth and moisture inside and can reproduce quickly, leading to a full-blown infestation.
Additionally, you may find mealybugs, mosquitoes, and several species of beetles throughout your home during the cooler winter months.
What to Look for When Searching for Overwintering Pests
Now that you know who to look for, it’s time to start searching for these unwanted guests. Unfortunately, they’re not always easy to find. Many of these pests are small and can easily hide in cracks and crevices. Others, like stink bugs, are excellent at camouflage and can be difficult to spot. Here are a few signs to look for that may indicate you have an infestation:
- Spotting insects: This is the most obvious sign that you have a problem. If you start seeing ladybugs, stink bugs, or any other overwintering pests in your home, it’s time to act.
- Hearing strange noises: If you hear rustling in your walls or ceiling, it could be a sign that something is hiding inside.
- Finding droppings: Overwintering pests often leave behind droppings that can stain your walls, furniture, and clothing.
- Noticing damage: These pests can also damage your clothing, furniture, and carpeting. Ladybugs, in particular, are known to feast on fabric.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in the professionals. My Pest Pros has the experience and expertise to eliminate your overwintering pest problem quickly and efficiently.
How to Prevent Overwintering Pests
The best way to deal with overwintering pests is to prevent them from coming inside in the first place. Here are a few tips to help keep these unwanted guests out of your home:
- Seal cracks and crevices: Take a walk around your home and look for any cracks or crevices that could provide pests with an easy way inside. Seal them with caulk or another type of sealant to help prevent pests from getting in.
- Repair screens: Make sure your window and door screens are in good repair. This will help keep out flying insects like ladybugs and mosquitoes.
- Remove lawn debris: Remove any piles of leaves, wood, or other debris from around your home. This will eliminate potential hiding spots for overwintering pests.
If this is still not enough, seek pest control in Fairfax as soon as possible!
For the Best Pest Control in Fairfax, Contact My Pest Pros Today
Don’t let pests ruin your Thanksgiving feast. My Pest Pros is here to help eliminate your problem as soon as possible. Our experienced professionals will work diligently to identify the source of your infestation and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate the problem. We also offer preventative services to help keep pests out of your home all year long. Give us a call today at 703-665-4455 to learn more.