Fall Pests to Watch Out For

a swarm of stink bugs coming out of a wall

As the weather cools you may notice more and more unwelcome creatures hanging around your home. That’s not just your imagination! It’s something called “overwintering”, which is what all insects and animals do to survive the colder weather. This might mean migrating to warmer climates or burrowing under debris to stay warm. Or it might lead pests to use your home to make it through the winter. They’ll find a quiet corner to settle in and then burst into activity in the spring. Good for them – not so much for you and your property.

These pests could be tiny bugs or larger rodents. You may find them, or you may not.  The latter is a major problem, as the most destructive infestations are the ones you don’t see until it’s too late. This could include Asian Lady beetles, stink bugs and termites, just to name a few. Read on to learn more about some common pests that may invade your home this fall.


Asian Lady Beetles

Asian lady beetles look similar to ladybugs, the garden darling that children love to linger over. The Asian lady, however, is bigger and may or may not have spots. More than that, finding one of them in your home is anything but a sign of good luck. These innocent-seeming mimics hang together in large groups and are able to use pheromones to communicate their location to the pack. That means that if one gets in, you can very easily wind up with an infestation in little to no time.

They tend to populate empty spaces like your attic or inside the walls. And while Asian Lady beetles aren’t known for bites or stings, their waste can potentially cause stains and irritation to anyone with respiratory illnesses. So for their sake, and since no one wants to live in a home full of bugs, it’s best to seek professional help through Batzner Pest Control. We can seal up the potential entry points in a way that’ll keep your home safe from Asian Lady beetles, as well as most other invaders.

Rodents

You probably know that squirrels are excellent climbers, but did you know that roof rats and mice can climb nearly just as well? Most rodents will climb almost anything; and things like branches, fences and drainpipes can all be used to access the roof of your residence.  If you aren’t prepared, that can be all you need for a furry creature to take up residence in the core of your home! Luckily, unlike other pests, if you have a rat or squirrel inside your walls, you’ll hear it. It’ll sound like scratching or gnawing noises, and both are signs that it’s time to call an experienced rodent exterminator like the specialists at Batzner Pest Control. As kind as you may be, we do not suggest trying to remove any rodent on your own. Our team is trained in wildlife exclusion and can return this wayward traveler back to the Great Outdoors safely.


Stink Bugs

The brown marmorated stink bug is the variety most commonly found around the house. They’re an invasive, non-native species that originated in Asia. Brown marmorated stink bugs are flat, brown and gray colored, and range in size from ¼” to ⅜”. Once they get into your house they crowd in quiet spots where they won’t be disturbed, nesting in your attic or crawlspace to stay warm. And if something happens and they do feel threatened, they’ll release a smell that’ll tell you very quickly why they have the name that they do.

 

Wasps

Wasp colonies don’t overwinter as a whole, so as the weather cools the hive gradually dies off until it’s just the queen. She, already fertilized, will hide out the cold season in a hollow log, stump, or under leaves. However, if none of that is readily available, she may choose instead to take up residence in the attic or siding of your home. Then, when spring hits, this lonely wasp will populate and craft a whole new colony right above your head. This is commonly seen in homes without attic vents or other vital seals. If you don’t want to play landlord for some very unpleasant tenants, it’s best to call Batzner for a wasp removal technique that is eco-friendly with your needs in mind!


Trusted Exterminators in Wisconsin

Batzner Pest Control has been providing Wisconsin with first-class pest control services since 1946. We know you have your choice of pest control companies, but we’re confident that we have a level of care and service that can’t be beaten. If you think you have any of the above pests in your home, Batzner Pest Control can help get them out and keep them out. Even if you don’t have an infestation you can count on us to take preventative action to keep your household free of insects and rodents year-round. Call us for a free quote!

Is the Pandemic Causing More Rodent Infestations?

Rodents infest Wisconsin homes during the pandemic - Batzner Pest Control

Here in Wisconsin, we are accustomed to rodent infestations in the fall. However, they are surging in number this year due to the pandemic. When restaurants and bars were put on restrictions, rodents were suddenly deprived of one of their top sources of food. This forced them to look elsewhere and to compete for the little resources available. Unfortunately, this has led to a direct increase in infestations. Rodents aren’t just a nuisance—they can be very dangerous if they infest your property. For this reason alone, it’s crucial to learn how to prevent them. This Rodent Awareness Week, the team at Batzner Pest Control is focusing on providing our customers with rodent infestation prevention tips.

Here’s How to Prevent Rodents in 2020

The best form of rodent control is prevention! Try out the following tips to make your property less attractive to rats and mice this season:

  • Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  • Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.
  • Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  • Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  • Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.

Are Rodents Tied to COVID-19?

The shelter in place shutdowns caused an uptick in residential rodent sightings as rats and mice became bolder in their hunt for resources. This has since caused an uptick in infestations and rodent-spread issues. While their presence may be more prevalent than ever, you thankfully do not need to worry about rodents transmitting COVID-19 to you or your family.

That said, rodents still can spread other diseases including hantavirus, salmonellosis, and many more. They also can cause significant damage to your home. With rodents more aggressive in the current moment, they will not hesitate to make themselves at home in your home this winter.

Rodent Awareness Week 2020

With the pandemic, rodent problems have exacerbated. This makes it more important than ever to ensure your home and family are protected against rodents. The team at Batzner is ready to help. Our rodent exterminators will work with you to ensure your property is safe from rodents all year long.

Do Termites Hibernate in the Fall & Winter?

Termites can infest homes in the fall and winter in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Unlike other types of pests, termites remain active through the fall and winter. Rather than go dormant, termites continue to infest structures even in the colder months of the year. With our frigid winters in Wisconsin, these pests will simply tunnel deep into the soil for survival. Many assume termites are only active in the spring because that is when they will swarm, but the reality is these pests could be chewing their way through your home any time of the year. Because of this, it’s crucial to know how to look for signs of termites as well as how to protect your home from these pests. Keep reading for expert info from the team at Batzner!

Termite Life Cycle

Termites most often swarm in the spring or summer, but in rare cases, they can in the fall, too. Due to our Wisconsin climate, this is rare here. Nonetheless, a termite colony will remain active through the fall and winter inside whatever structure they’ve infested. The queen termite continues to reproduce and lay eggs all year long, which means a termite colony can grow at a constant rate.

This being said, termites need to stay warm in colder temperatures, which is why they will nest 25 to 30 feet down in the soil during the winter. This is why it’s unlikely to see termites this time of year. However, you can certainly still notice termite damage if you have a serious infestation on your hands.

What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

A termite problem can be ongoing for months before any damage begins to appear, which is one of the reasons why they’re so feared! The following damage manifesting in your property could indicate that you likely have a mature termite infestation on your hands:

  1. Mud tubes
  2. Discarded swarmer wings
  3. Termite frass (feces)
  4. Drywall discoloration
  5. Loose tiles or buckling floors
  6. Bubbling or uneven paint on walls
  7. Holes in drywall
  8. Crumbling wood
  9. Hollow-sounding wood
  10. Sagging sheetrock

Fall Termite Infestations

At all times of the year, it’s important to know how to look for signs of termites in your home. Just because they’re not swarming doesn’t mean you’re safe from an infestation. Contact us to learn more about how to keep your home protected from fall pest problems.

Boxelder Bugs & Stink Bugs in the Fall

Stink bugs are a common fall invader in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Here in Wisconsin, we are accustomed to seasonal pest problems. One of the most common ones we see in the fall months are boxelder bugs and stink bugs. These insects are primarily a nuisance, but they can be a problem when they make their way inside your home. During the short days we have during the fall months, these bugs will congregate on the sides of homes, particularly on the south- or west-facing walls. Both of these bugs emit a pungent odor when threatened—and you definitely don’t want your home smelling like them. Read on to learn all about the boxelder bug and stink bug, including tips to prevent them.

Fall pest prevention in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Fall Invaders in Wisconsin

Both boxelder bugs and stink bugs will take advantage of any available crack and crevice in your home’s exterior to gain access to the warmth of your home. Adult stink and boxelder bugs will search for cracks and holes in walls, in window trim and molding, and in your foundation. Both of these pests can multiply and feed at a rapid rate. Here’s how to identify these fall invaders:

  • Boxelder bug: These insects have dark brown bodies with unique red markings. They emerge out of hibernation in the springtime. True to their name, they live in boxelder trees as well as maple, ash, and fruit trees. Their feces can leave a stain.
  • Stink bug: Their backs look like shields, and they can blend easily within foliage. If threatened, these bugs release an odor. There are two main types we see in the states: the green stink bug and brown marmorated stink bug.

Tips to Prevent Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs

To avoid dealing with these odorous insects inside your home, it’s important to make your property less attractive to them. Some basic but tried-and-true prevention methods include:

  1. Cleaning out any debris around the foundation of the house.
  2. Trimming back trees and bushes to keep all vegetation away from the perimeter of the home.
  3. Cleaning and repairing the corners of fences, decorative rocks, old piles of wood, and patio furniture.
  4. Replacing torn screens on windows and doors.
  5. Checking the caulk around the molding of the windows and vents.
  6. Repairing any cracks in stucco and bricks.
  7. Sealing up cracks around roof soffits, windows, siding, and foundation.
  8. Considering using low-pressure sodium exterior lighting, as UV rays attract the insects.

Getting Rid of Stink Bugs & Boxelder Bugs

Already have an infestation in your home? If these fall invaders have made themselves at home in your Wisconsin property, the team at Batzner can help. Our residential exterminators will work to remove all current pests and prevent future ones from getting inside. Contact our team today!

Protect Your Home From Fall Rodents

Fall rodents can get inside through properties in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Rodents are one of the most dreaded pest problems. They are especially troublesome in the fall when the weather changes. Before wintertime, rodents come inside to escape cooling temperatures and to seek out shelter and food. Rodents are dangerous not only because they are destructive, but because they can spread germs and disease as well. At Batzner Pest Control, we know how important it is to keep your family safe from rodents. We also know you want to feel comfortable in your home and enjoy the fall season without worrying about rats or mice! Keep reading to learn how to protect your home from rodents this fall and all year long.

How do Rats and Mice Get Inside?

Rodents aren’t exactly subtle, and it can be easy to tell when you have a rat or mouse problem in your property. But where do rodents take shelter? Rats and mice will take shelter in the attic, basement, and garage. They also will infest kitchens, laundry rooms, and are highly likely to invade your trash cans if given the chance. Mice can scale walls, squeeze through tiny openings, jump, and build nests in just about any room you can imagine. A rat or mouse problem often begins when the rodents get in through your chimney, pipes, air vents, and more. This is why it’s so important to protect your property from rats and mice.

Tips to Prevent Rodents in Your Home

To avoid the frustration of rats and mice in your home, it’s important to learn how to keep them out in the first place. Our top tips for keeping rodents out are as follows:

  1. Cover vents. Install mesh screens on your vents. Also, consider installing screens on doors and windows.
  2. Use tight lids on trash cans. Rodents love to rummage in the garbage! If possible, keep your trash cans sealed and stored.
  3. Protect eaves. Fix any damaged roofing and use wire mesh to seal gaps in your eaves.
  4. Store food properly. Securely store food in tight-fitting containers with lids.
  5. Seal holes around pipes. Use caulk or wire wool to cover up gaps and openings near pipes and other openings.

Fall Rodents in Wisconsin

The last thing you want to deal with in the fall season is a rat or mouse problem in your property. Rodents can be a pain to deal with: not only do they spread germs and bacteria, but they also will chew wires in your home and make a mess while nesting. As soon as you suspect the signs of rodents inside, call the team at Batzner. Our rodent exterminators can help control current infestations and prevent future ones from happening.