What are Some Occasional Invaders?

What are occasional invaders?

As their name suggests, occasional invaders are types of insects that “occasionally” enter into homes and other structures throughout the year. These insects do not prefer to live indoors full-time. These insects usually enter into homes in groups when the weather outside becomes too extreme for them to live comfortably.

The most common occasional invaders living throughout Southeast Texas include:

• Springtails

• Silverfish

• Pill Bugs

• Field Crickets

• Carpet Beetles

• Mites

• Stink bugs

• Boxelder bugs

Are occasional invaders dangerous?

Occasional invaders are not usually considered to be a significant danger to people or property. They are however an annoyance to have living inside of your home and can be difficult to find and eliminate.

 

Some species like the field cricket and carpet beetle can cause damage to things like carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, linens, and other similar items kept in your home. Species like the boxelder bugs can stain walls, furniture, and curtains with their excrement. The stink bug, as their name suggests, can fill a home with a very unpleasant odor.

Why do I have an occasional invader problem?

Occasional invaders typically live outside throughout most of the year. Some species, like the boxelder bug, move inside of homes in the late fall or winter months to safely overwinter. They find their way inside through cracks and crevices found in the exterior walls or foundation. Other species will find their way inside accidentally through cracks and crevices in the foundation. Sometimes occasional invaders are accidentally introduced inside after potted plants, boxes, or furniture are brought inside.

Where will I find occasional invaders?

Occasional invaders are usually found living outside in dark, damp places like under mulch, overgrown shrubs or bushes, landscaping ties, rocks, tall grasses, and landscaped areas. When they move inside they take up residence in humid, dark, hard-to-reach areas of a home. Attics, walls void, crawl spaces, basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are all places where occasional invaders tend to take up residence.

How do I get rid of occasional invaders?

To find, accurately identify, and eliminate the occasional invaders that are living and nesting on your property or in your home, contact a professional pest control expert. At Bill Clark Pest Control, our highly trained 'Bugsperts' receive continuous education, and are up-to-date with the latest information and industry trends. To eliminate pantry pests, our professionals can provide thorough inspections and treatment through our residential pest control programs. For exceptional occasional invader control here in Southeast Texas, reach out to Bill Clark Pest Control.

How can I prevent occasional invaders in the future?

To stop occasional invaders from choosing your home and property to nest and breed on, our 'Bugsperts' offer the following prevention tips:

• Reduce humidity levels in your home by using dehumidifiers, air-conditioners, and ventilated fans.

• Keep crawl spaces properly ventilated.

• Make sure gutters are directing excess water away from the exterior of your home.

• Leave a stone barrier between any grass, soil, or mulch and the foundation of your home.

• Cut back overgrown shrubs and bushes away from the outside of your home.

• Seal cracks or gaps in the foundation, along exterior walls, or along the roofline.

• Place weather-stripping around all exterior windows and doors. Place door sweeps on exterior doors.

• Inside keep storage areas clutter-free and store items in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids, not in cardboard boxes.

• Inspect items that were once outside before bringing them inside.