What are occasional invaders?

Occasional invaders are pests that mainly live outdoors but are driven inside of our Henry County homes by unsuitable weather conditions. These pests take cover in our homes but typically aren’t searching for food or breeding sites. The biggest reason these pests move indoors is that it becomes too hot or cold outside, and our homes provide areas of moisture and temperature-controlled living conditions. 

In the Henry County and surrounding areas, the following are the most frequent occasional invaders into our structures:

Asian Lady Beetles
Box Elder Bugs
Camel Crickets
Centipedes
Earwigs
Millipedes
SIlverfish
Stink Bugs

Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis), also known as Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles, are a species of ladybug native to Asia but introduced to many parts of the world for biological pest control. While they are beneficial in gardens and crops by preying on aphids and other pests, they can become a nuisance when they gather in large numbers in homes during fall as they seek shelter for the winter. Unlike native ladybugs, Asian lady beetles are known to release a yellowish, foul-smelling fluid when disturbed, which can stain surfaces and cause allergic reactions in some people.

Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata) are a common nuisance pest known for congregating in large numbers on sunny sides of buildings in the fall as they search for sheltered areas to overwinter. These insects are often found around boxelder trees, from which they get their name, as well as maple and ash trees. While they are not harmful to humans or pets and do not cause significant damage to plants, they can be a major annoyance when they invade homes in large numbers. When disturbed, boxelder bugs can release an unpleasant odor and may stain surfaces with their excretions.

Camel crickets (family Rhaphidophoridae), also known as cave crickets or spider crickets, are commonly found in damp, dark environments. They do not bite or spread diseases but can become a nuisance when they invade homes, basements, and crawl spaces. Effective management involves proper identification, thorough inspection, targeted treatment, and consistent follow-up to ensure the issue is resolved.

Centipedes are fast-moving arthropods that primarily prey on other insects and spiders. While they are generally beneficial outdoors, their presence indoors can cause distress. Centipedes thrive in dark, damp environments and are often drawn indoors in search of food or shelter. Effective centipede control involves identification, habitat modification, targeted treatments, and preventative measures.

Earwigs are nocturnal insects that thrive in moist, dark environments. While not directly harmful to humans, their presence can be unsettling, and they can damage plants and enter homes seeking food and shelter. Effective earwig control involves proper identification, thorough inspection, targeted treatments, and diligent follow-up to prevent reinfestation.

Millipedes are harmless arthropods that prefer moist, decaying organic environments. While they do not pose a threat to humans or structures, millipedes can become a nuisance when they invade homes in search of shelter, especially during rainy seasons or changes in humidity. Effective control focuses on identifying their presence, addressing conducive conditions, and implementing targeted treatments.

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are small, wingless insects that thrive in dark, damp environments. They are common in homes and businesses and are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics. These pests are known for their destructive feeding habits, targeting paper, books, wallpaper, and starchy materials. A successful treatment protocol aims to eliminate existing infestations and prevent reoccurrence through inspection, targeted treatment, and follow-up.

Stink Bugs (Halyomorpha halys), particularly the brown marmorated stink bug, are invasive agricultural pests originating from East Asia. They are known for their shield-shaped bodies and their tendency to emit a foul odor when disturbed or crushed, which is their main defense mechanism. Stink bugs feed on a variety of crops and plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, making them a significant nuisance for farmers and gardeners. In the fall, they often enter homes in large numbers as they seek a warm place to overwinter, becoming an annoyance for homeowners.

Are Occasional Invaders Dangerous?

The good news is that while these pests move into our homes without our permission and are annoying to deal with, they aren’t dangerous. However, the presence of occasional invaders in your home often indicates other problems.

Occasional invaders typically enter our homes because they provide them with easy access to warmth and moisture they need. Leaky pipes, faucets, and poorly ventilated crawlspace can all attract these pests, so it's important to check and address these areas if you see occasional invaders in your home.

The second issue that finding these pests in your home could indicate is that if occasional invaders are getting into your home, chances are other types of insects will be able to get in too.

Why Do I Have an Occasional Invader Problem?

Most occasional invaders live outside in damp, dark areas. Gardens, flower beds, woodpiles, leaf litter, tarps, trash cans, and recycling bins are all found in most of our yards and provide occasional invaders the perfect place to live. If occasional invaders take up residence in your yard, they will eventually end up in your home.

Where Will I Find Occasional Invaders?

Most occasional invaders enter our homes at ground level. Gaps under doors, cracks in the foundation, and vents are common entry points for these pests. Once inside, they move to damp areas like areas under sinks, near drains and sump pumps, in crawl spaces, and in laundry and utility rooms, hiding in or under things like cardboard boxes, folded laundry, furniture, and rugs.

How Do I Get Rid of Occasional Invaders?

At Jerry's Pest Management, we can help you keep occasional invaders out of your home. We care about our customers and are committed to solving your pest problems, no matter how big or small they may be! You can trust that we'll rid your property of occasional invaders and help prevent their return.

How Can I Prevent Occasional Invaders in the Future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from occasional invaders with the following prevention tips:

• Seal spaces in your home’s exterior that will allow occasional invaders to move into your home.
• Keep door sweeps on all exterior doors.
• Keep plant pots, trash cans, recycling bins, and other containers up off the ground to eliminate damp hiding spots near your home’s exterior.
• Repair dripping pipes, leaking hoses, clogged drains, and air conditioners that provide occasional invaders with water sources.
• Get rid of moisture-trapping ground cover, tarps, and leaf litter from your yard.
• Vacuum regularly to eliminate occasional invaders that find a way into your home.

Why Choose Jerry's Pest Management for control of Occasional Invaders?

• Over 40 years of trusted service in Henry County and surrounding areas.
• Safe, family-friendly treatment options.
• Experienced, professional technicians who care about your comfort and peace of mind.

Let Jerry's Pest Management help you reclaim your space. Call us today to schedule your treatment of Occasional Invaders!  Experience the difference that family dedication and decades of experience can make. 

At Jerry's Pest Management, we’re here for you — because protecting your home and business is our family tradition.