Seasonal Invader Identification & Prevention

What are seasonal invaders?

Seasonal invaders are those insects that live outside for the most part. However, when the weather begins to cool in the late summer and early fall, they start seeking indoor shelter. Seasonal invaders usually don't pose much of a threat for homeowners but are a nuisance to have to deal with year after year.

a ground beetle crawling on the ground outside of a home in hillsdale missouri

Examples of seasonal invaders found living in the Kansas City Metro area are boxelder bugs, clover mites, cluster flies, ground beetles, and lady beetles.

Boxelder bugs
Boxelder bugs are about a 1/2 inch in length. They are mostly black with several reddish-orange lines, especially along the edge of their bodies. Immature boxelder bugs (nymphs) are smaller, and bright red with only patches of black.

Clover mites
Clover mites are a tiny species of true mite that grow to be about the size of a pinhead. They have an oval shaped body and four pairs of legs - their first pair is larger than the rest. Clover mites are typically bright red, but can be other colors depending on their diet.

Cluster flies
Cluster flies are often confused with common house flies. The body of a cluster fly is long and narrow, and they are a dull gray color. They have dark black and golden colored hairs on their thorax and legs. When cluster flies are not flying their wings will overlap at their tips.

Ground beetles
Ground beetles are shiny black, although some are metallic. They have hard, shell-like wing covers with lengthwise grooves. The ground beetle’s head is narrower than the rest of its body. They also have strong and prominent mandibles and three pairs of long, thin legs.

Lady beetles
Lady beetles, also known as "ladybugs", are about 1/3 of an inch long. They are yellow to orange in color, and can come with or without black spots on their bodies. Their body has a distinctive dome shape.

Are seasonal invaders dangerous?

No, seasonal invaders are not dangerous pests. They are, however, very annoying to deal with! Seasonal invaders are a nuisance pest in that they create buzzing sounds and foul odors. Seasonal invaders pose no significant health risks to people. They don't bite or sting, nor do they cause structural damage.

Why do I have a seasonal invader problem?

Seasonal invaders find their way into your home through small cracks and crevices in the exterior, and they typically enter during late summer and early fall. They move inside to secure temperate shelter for the upcoming winter months, but they may also enter during periods of extremely hot or wet weather. Your home acts as an indoor retreat, protecting them from the harsh climate found outside.

Where will I find seasonal invaders?

Seasonal invaders take up residence inside of dark, secluded areas of Missouri and Kansas homes and commercial buildings. Attics, spaces behind walls, beneath floors, above ceilings, and crawlspaces often become homes for seasonal pests. They can also be found in sheds, garages, and other outbuildings.

How do I get rid of seasonal invaders?

To eliminate seasonal invaders from your home and property, partner with a professional pest control expert. At Augustine Exterminators we provide the advanced modern methods needed to solve your unique pest problems and prevent future ones. Our trained and certified specialists offer homeowners effective and affordable seasonal invader control. To learn more about the residential and commercial pest control services we provide throughout the Greater Kansas City area, call Augustine Exterminators today!

How can I prevent seasonal invaders in the future?

Seasonal invaders can be a challenge. There are some steps you can take to help prevent them from finding their way inside your Kansas City Metro home or business.

  • Leave a stone barrier between any grass, soil, or mulch and your foundation.

  • Install weather stripping around all windows and doors.

  • Place caps on all chimneys.

  • Install mesh screens over vents leading into your home.

  • Replace torn or worn out screens on doors and windows.

  • Seal spaces around wires, pipes, and other utilities entering into your home.

  • Seal up cracks and gaps in the foundation, along exterior walls, and the roofline.

 

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