How to Protect Your Home from Fall Invaders Like Stinkbugs and Boxelders This October

As the temperatures begin to drop in Rochester, NY, pests like stinkbugs and boxelder bugs start looking for a warm place to spend the winter. October is the time when these common fall invaders become more active, trying to find their way into your home. While these bugs may not cause significant structural damage, their presence can be a major nuisance, and once they’re inside, getting rid of them can be challenging.

This guide will explain how you can protect your home from these pests and prevent them from becoming unwelcome houseguests.

Why Are Stinkbugs and Boxelders More Active in October?

1. Seeking Shelter from the Cold

As the weather cools, stinkbugs and boxelder bugs are in search of warm, dry places to hibernate for the winter. Your home provides the perfect environment for them to settle in and ride out the colder months. Once inside, they may gather in large numbers in attics, basements, and wall voids, creating a significant infestation.

2. Warm Surfaces Attract Pests

Stinkbugs and boxelder bugs are particularly drawn to homes with lots of sunlight and warmth. These pests often gather on sunny exterior walls, windows, and doors, trying to find small cracks and gaps to squeeze through and enter your home.

How to Keep Stinkbugs and Boxelder Bugs Out of Your Home

1. Seal Entry Points

The most important step in keeping fall invaders like stinkbugs and boxelder bugs out of your home is sealing all potential entry points. Even the smallest cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and siding can provide an easy way in for these pests.

What to Do:

• Check for Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home’s foundation, windows, doors, and siding for any small cracks or openings. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these gaps and block entry.
• Install Door Sweeps: Install door sweeps on all exterior doors to prevent pests from crawling under.
• Repair Window and Door Screens: Ensure that all window and door screens are in good condition and free from tears or holes.

Need help sealing your home to keep fall pests out? Contact Exodus Exterminating for professional exclusion services. Visit our contact page to schedule an appointment today.

2. Keep Your Home's Exterior Clean

Yard maintenance plays a big role in preventing pests from getting too close to your home. Stinkbugs and boxelder bugs are often drawn to areas with debris, woodpiles, and overgrown vegetation.

What to Do:

• Trim Vegetation: Cut back bushes, shrubs, and tree branches that are close to your home’s exterior. Pests often use these as bridges to access your house.
• Clear Debris: Remove any leaf piles, woodpiles, or other yard debris that could serve as a hiding spot for pests.
• Keep Gutters Clean: Stinkbugs and boxelders may also use your gutters as an entry point, so make sure to clean them regularly to prevent buildup.

Want to ensure your yard is pest-free? Let the professionals at Exodus Exterminating help you keep pests away. Contact us through our website to learn more.

3. Close Off Vents and Chimneys

Vents and chimneys can be common entry points for fall invaders. Install proper coverings to block access.

What to Do:

• Use Mesh Screens: Install mesh screens over attic vents, crawl space vents, and chimney openings to prevent pests from crawling through.
• Install Chimney Caps: If you don’t already have one, install a chimney cap to keep stinkbugs, boxelder bugs, and other pests from entering through your chimney.

4. Reduce Lighting Around Your Home

Stinkbugs and boxelder bugs are attracted to light, particularly during their search for a winter home. Reducing outdoor lighting or switching to less attractive lighting options can help deter these pests from gathering near your home.

What to Do:

• Switch to Yellow Lighting: Yellow or sodium vapor lights are less attractive to pests, so consider switching your outdoor lighting to these options.
• Turn Off Outdoor Lights When Not Needed: Turn off porch and yard lights at night when they’re not necessary to reduce the attraction for pests.

5. Keep Windows and Doors Closed

One of the simplest ways to keep fall invaders out is to limit the opportunities for them to enter your home through open windows and doors.

What to Do:

• Keep Windows and Doors Closed: Whenever possible, keep your windows and doors closed, especially in the early evening when stinkbugs and boxelder bugs are most active.
• Use Window Screens: If you do need to open windows, make sure you have proper screens in place to keep pests from sneaking in.

6. Use a Vacuum for Removal

If some pests manage to make it inside, using a vacuum is an easy and effective way to remove stinkbugs and boxelder bugs without squashing them. Crushing stinkbugs releases a foul odor, which is something you’ll want to avoid.

What to Do:

• Vacuum the Pests: Use your vacuum cleaner to quickly and efficiently remove any pests you spot indoors.
• Dispose of the Bag Properly: If your vacuum uses bags, be sure to dispose of them right away to prevent the bugs from escaping back into your home.

Why Professional Pest Control Is the Best Solution

While these DIY methods can help minimize the number of stinkbugs and boxelder bugs that enter your home, professional pest control is the most effective way to ensure your home stays pest-free all season long. At Exodus Exterminating, we provide expert pest control services designed to keep fall invaders out of your home.

Our team of experienced technicians will inspect your home, identify vulnerable areas, and implement targeted treatments to eliminate and prevent infestations. By scheduling regular pest control services, you can enjoy a worry-free fall and avoid the hassle of dealing with these persistent pests.

Ready to protect your home from fall invaders? Contact Exodus Exterminating today to schedule your pest control service. Visit our contact page or call us at 585-328-0990 to get started.

Rochester, NY Pest Professionals

Fall invaders like stinkbugs and boxelder bugs become more active in October as they search for warmth and shelter. By sealing entry points, keeping your home’s exterior clean, and using exclusion techniques, you can significantly reduce the risk of these pests entering your home. However, for complete protection and peace of mind, professional pest control services are your best defense.

Don’t let fall invaders take over your home! Visit our contact page today to schedule a pest control consultation and keep your home protected from pests this season.