During the cool times of the year, getting out of bed can seem especially difficult. Cold weather can make a warm blanket, a cozy fire, or even just a building with the heat on seem irresistible. This applies not only to you and me, but also to all the other creatures out there in the wide world. Insects are no exception, and you may notice that your house is particularly attractive to some of them.
They don’t ask permission, they don’t pay rent, and they don’t clean up after themselves. Bugs that get inside your home don’t make good guests, but most won’t do any lasting damage. There are several different insects that are fond of seeking shelter in homes during the fall and winter; here are some to look out for.
Lady bugs, which are usually a welcome sight in the garden or landscape, spend the warm months eating other insects. When it cools down, a species of Asian lady beetles are known to enter people’s homes. You may find them clustered around sunny windows. They are harmless, thankfully, and the worst they do is emit a smelly liquid if frightened.
Boxelder bugs are black-and-orange true bugs that like to feed on boxelder, maple, and ash trees. If you have any of these trees in your landscape, you may notice these insects in your house. They are attracted to homes with a lot of exposure to sunlight.
Stink bugs, especially the brown marmorated stink bug, act much as the other insects mentioned do. They are similarly harmless. None of these insects will reproduce inside your home, and they shouldn’t harm you, your house, or your pets. The best way to deal with them is prevention. Seal up any cracks that might allow them to get inside, repair damaged screens on windows or doors, and vacuum up any that still make their way inside.
These are just the most common insects you might find in your home. There are other creepy crawlies that can get in. Ground beetles, flies, spiders, millipedes, and more might find their way inside. If you need help identifying something, please contact us at the Walton County Extension Office!
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