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!

Pest Seasonality in Wisconsin

Stink bugs are a seasonal pest problem in Wisconsin - Batzner Pest Control

Here in Wisconsin, pests are a problem all year-long. Different weather conditions and seasonality plays a large role in what pests are most active during certain parts of the year. Some pests that prefer warmer weather nearly disappear in the winter, while other pests in the fall will overwinter in your home until spring rolls around. To better prepare yourself for a possible infestation, it’s important to know which pests are common during certain parts of the year. With information from the NPMA, we are here to share all you need to know about pest seasonality in Wisconsin.

Fall & Winter Pests

Colder weather and snow will always drive more pests indoors in the fall and winter months. In 2020, it has been predicted that a milder winter than usual will result in prolonged Asian lady beetle and stink bug activity. Tick problems may also be active for longer this season. Other pests to be wary of during the colder months of the year in Wisconsin include rodents, boxelder bugs, carpenter ants, and more.

Winter pests in the Great Lakes United States map
 
Beetles
 
Stink Bugs
 
Ticks

Spring Pest Problems

Pest activity springs back into action once winter comes to an end. Blooming flowers, warming temperatures, and heavy rainfall encourages pests of all kinds to resume activity and reproduce. The common spring pests in Wisconsin include:

  • Ants. Certain ant species will forage for food in the warmer months. Rainy weather also drives ants out of their colonies and into homes for shelter.
  • Termites Every spring, termites leave their nests to mate and start new colonies. This is called “swarming”.
  • Mosquitoes. When we experience heavy rainfall, mosquito season will burst into life. With their peak season in the months following, they start to be more active in the spring.
  • Bed Bugs. While these are a year-round problem, increased traveling in the springtime always leads to an increase in bed bug activity.

Summer Pest Threats

Summertime in Wisconsin is the busiest pest season. Summer temperatures cause many types of pest colonies to mature and grow in size. Here are the ones to look out for in Wisconsin:

  • Mosquitoes. These parasitic insects lay more eggs in the summer and tend to be our biggest pest problem this time of year.
  • Stinging insects. Wasps, bees, and hornets are at full force in the summertime. They can build nests near residential areas.
  • Flies. Summer is the peak breeding season for flies. They are infamous for being a nuisance at outdoor summer events.
  • Termites. Warm weather is when termites are able to thrive and cause the most damage.

Year-Round Pests in Wisconsin

To better prepare yourself for an infestation, it’s important to understand the pest seasonality here in Wisconsin. Our colder winters may deter some pests, but they also can drive certain pests right into our homes. To protect your property from pests year-round, contact the pest control experts at Batzner.

Springtime Pests to Prevent

Prevent spring pests by spring cleaning your New Berlin or Oshkosh WI home. Get tips from Batzner Pest Control!

Many rejoice the arrival of spring…pests included. As winter wraps up, many types of insects and pests will come out in search of food and to breed. Warmer weather encourages their activity, making it important to protect your home against the onslaught of pests now!  There are several things you can do to lessen the risk of an infestation in your Wisconsin home this time of year. Read on to learn more from the experts at Batzner Pest Control!

Springtime Pest Problems

While some of these pests are active year-round, there tends to be a peak in activity in the springtime. There are several types of pests in particular that cause property owners a lot of grief this time of year:

  1. Ants. With warmer weather comes hoards of ants in your home.
  2. Flies. In the spring and summer, flies are more active than ever and can be a big nuisance.
  3. Rodents. Although they’re active year-round, rats and mice are a problem in the spring.
  4. Stinging insects. Wasps and hornets are gearing up to build nests this time of year.
  5. Stink bugs. After overwintering, people report a resurgence in stink bugs.

Preventing Pests in the Spring

If you’re planning on doing some spring cleaning this year, it’s smart to implement pest prevention measures while you’re at it. Clean your windows and doors, and make sure there are no cracks or crevices. If there are, seal them properly. Consider deep cleaning your carpets by vacuuming, shampooing, or steam-cleaning them. Thoroughly sanitize your kitchen with a focus on your appliances. Crumbs and spilled liquids are easy bait for rodents, cockroaches, and more!

Remove debris from your yard, and trim back tree branches away from your home. Ensure your plumbing is working properly and fix any leaks. In general, tidy up your home. Clean under furniture, wipe down surfaces, and inspect areas of your home that need fixing up.

How to Get Rid of Seasonal Pests

If you’ve done all you can to prevent pests this spring but still are dealing with flies, rats, or stink bugs, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional pest control company. At Batzner, our exterminators will work with you to develop a custom pest control plan that will keep you and your family safe from pests all year long.