It is that time of year again; when the idea of staying inside is more cozy than claustrophobic. Perhaps it is sitting by the fire with loved ones, or filling your home with the aroma of baked goods. No matter how we are spending our time indoors, the cooler weather helps us to indulge in the simpler things. Blustery winds, crisp air, and unpredictable weather helps us to indulge in the simpler things. Blustery winds, crisp air, and unpredictable weather suddenly makes us appreciate our home in a new light. The problem is, we are not the only ones taking comfort in the safety of our dwellings. Overwintering pests are on the move, seeking out the warmth of our homes.

What is an overwintering pest?
Overwintering pests have the ability to hunker down during the colder climates. Many pests found here in New England have adapted to our frigid winters. They do this by finding a suitable safe zone: beneath tree bark and plant debris, or preferably, our home!

Common Overwintering pests in Connecticut

STINK BUGS
While you are lighting up your pumpkin spice candle, these odorous pests are bringing in their own kind of scent. The majority of their life span is spent outdoors, but as it becomes colder, they often become uninvited guests.

BOXELDER BUGS
Their happy-holiday-hues aren’t enough to get them on the guest list! Adult Boxelders find their way into insulated cracks and crevices. They may go undetected until a milder day comes along. They are attracted to heat-reflecting surfaces such as a sunny window. Did you know their fecal matter can discolor fabric or furniture?

ASIAN LADY BEETLES
Commonly referred to as “Lady Bugs,” these symbols of luck are not always so lady-like. In fact, they aren’t ladybugs at all. The multicolored Asian Lady Beetle can aggravate asthma and cause allergic reactions. Scientific research has found several allergens within the bodies of Asian Lady Beetles.

SPIDERS IN YOUR HOME
Just the words tend to give many the chills. This time of year their eight legs are reaching and creeping to find warmth and shelter — oftentimes a haven for their egg sacs. One spider egg sac can hold several hundred eggs. What??! We want Christmas, not the nightmare before, am I right?

RODENTS IN YOUR HOME
At least spiders are quiet guests, not like pesky mice scurrying all about, right? Wrong! Did you know that mice can live in your walls and attics without us ever hearing a peep? Not only do they find shelter in our homes, but they thrive. Yep, Mr. & Mrs. Mouse are busy building a family right on the other side of the wall while we sip hot cocoa and read. Mice are easier on the eyes that creepy crawly spiders; but they create unsanitary environments in our homes! Once they have a safe route to and from a food source, they tend to stay on that path. The oils from their skin leave marking on surfaces over time. Mice urine and feces can quickly cause unsanitary conditions in your home and have been known to cause respiratory illness and viruses such as Hantavirus.

A home exclusion is an effective and preventive solution. First, we remove any existing mice in the home, followed by eliminating new rodent entry. Did you know that a mouse can enter your home through an opening the size of a dime? A rodent home exclusion is a thorough inspection and detection of all possible entry points of your home. Once all entry points are identified, they are professionally sealed using rodent proofing materials.

These facts may be disturbing, however, there’s a solution! Protex Pest Control prides itself on our efficient pest preventative services. Whether treating for eight-legged creeps, or pesky mice, we’ll keep your home pest-free!

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM OVERWINTERING PESTS
Some simple tasks you can complete around your home to help the prevention of pests:

• Repair damaged screens
• Fill gaps or holes with steel wool
• Install door sweeps on all exterior entrances
• Seal cracks or crevices with silicone caulk
• Call Protex Pest Control, the best in home protection

Remember, prevention is always the number on solution to pest removal and maintenance.