As the seasons change, new pests might try their hand at making their way onto your property or into your house to take over. At Greenix Pest Control, we know it can be tough to keep up with all the trends. This guide will help you know what pests to watch out for this season so your house and property don't become overrun with creepy crawlers.
Year-Round Rodent Worries in Michigan
No matter where you live, rodents are a big concern during the colder months. In the last 12 months, 14.8 million Americans reported seeing rodents in their homes. As the temperatures turn in early and mid-fall, keep an extra eye out for mice and rats. If you're aware of any gaps around your home's exterior structures, seal them as soon as possible to prevent rodents from sneaking in to take advantage of your nice warm home. Rodents can squeeze into even the smallest of places, so be sure to address any crack you find.
Throughout the fall, keep an eye out for rodents and telltale signs of a rodent infestation. These signs include scratching in the walls, droppings in cabinets or pantries, and nesting materials scattered through your home. If you do suspect you have an infestation, it's best to take action early. Service professionals will identify problem areas in and around your home and work to create a personalized rodent control solution to keep rodents out of your home and keep them from coming back.
Michigan's Fall Pest Control Menaces
In addition to the threat of rodents, there are smaller pests known to target Michigan homes and yards. Look out for multicolored Asian lady beetles, the western conifer seed bug, brown marmorated stinkbugs, and box elder bugs during the fall. While these pests don't usually top our charts for year-round pest problems, you're likely to see a significant influx of these pests in the fall. If you do find yourself inundated with these bugs in the coming months, just contact Greenix to get them out for good.
The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
Although these pests sort of look sweet, they can be a big nuisance in your home and yard when they move in in big numbers. They're also not the same as the beloved ladybug. These bugs are a different kind that were introduced to the U.S. from Asia to help control other bug populations.
While Asian lady beetles don't carry disease, there's nothing fun about having them swarm your home. Patch holes in your window and door screens and seal your doors and windows properly to keep as many out as possible. If you have trouble curbing a population that's already established itself inside, contact pest control professionals.
Western Conifer Seed Bug
A native pest, western conifer seed bugs are native to the western United States and feed on conifers. They've become invasive in the eastern United States, South America, and in a number of European and Asian countries. While not harmful to your health, they can invade your home in large numbers while trying to escape the cold.
Look for these late-summer and early-fall pests to make their way inside improperly sealed windows and doors. If it's too late to prevent western conifer seed bugs, contact pest control professionals to get them out of your house and help you identify where the bugs are coming from.
Brown Marmorated Stinkbugs
Similar in appearance to the western conifer seed bugs, there is a very important defining feature of stinkbugs—their strange smell. Although generally not a threat to humans, stinkbugs are infamous in Michigan for their prevalence in the fall and the strong smell they give off when squished or threatened. They can wreak havoc on your garden and ruin your fall vegetables and fruits.
Like the other pests in this list, stinkbugs sneak inside through little gaps in your home's exterior. Since these bugs are looking for winter lodging, they're around for the long haul once they're inside.
Box Elder Bugs
Known for their distinctively coloring, box elder bugs are a familiar fall pest in Michigan. Like most of the bugs on our list, these bugs won't hurt you but aren't the most desirable roommates. Box elder bug feces can stain light surfaces, so an infestation can get messy. They also enter homes in larger numbers so if you find one, there's likely many right behind it.
If you find your home inundated with box elder bugs, professional pest control will help you get back to a clean, comfortable living space in no time.
What Is the Most Destructive Insect on Michigan Lawns?
You want to keep your lawn looking luscious as late in the year as possible, but pests can be a big obstacle to year-round lawn health. Although not a fall-specific pest, the chinch bug has been cited as one of the most destructive lawn insect pests in Michigan. This pest does a great deal of its damage in the summer months, but insecticide treatment and year-round pest-conscious lawn care can help limit the potential for lawn damage by the time fall rolls around.
Additional pests to keep an eye on when it comes to lawn care include sod webworms, Japanese beetles, European chafer bugs, and more. Talk to Michigan pest control experts about keeping your lawn pest-free and healthy year-round.
Find Fall Pest Control in Michigan with Greenix
As the fall pest control season rolls in, you'll want to keep an eye out for these fall pests. Seal up your home's exterior and check the screens of any open doors or windows to make sure you're keeping pests at bay. If you find that they're making their way inside regardless, connect with the Greenix service professionals in Michigan. We can remove your pests, and help you figure out the possible points of entry your bugs or rodents have been using. Our expert team is equipped with pest control methods that are safe and effective for you and your family, including your household pets.
