Why Do Bugs Come Into My House in the Fall?

As summer turns to fall, you may notice a few unwelcome guests in your home. While specific visitors can vary depending on your location, some common fall bugs include brown marmorated stinkbugs, box elder bugs, ladybugs and American house spiders. The main reason these pesky pests seek shelter indoors is to avoid the cold temperatures, and they can easily enter your home through cracks and gaps.

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Fall insect invasions can definitely be frustrating, but there are preventive measures you can take to keep these critters at bay.

All These Bugs Weren’t in My House This Summer, So Why Are They Coming in This Fall?

The main reason insects seek shelter as the weather starts to turn cold is to ensure their survival. While many outdoor bug species become indoor critters during fall and winter, the three most common culprits are ladybugs, brown marmorated stinkbugs and box elder bugs. These species feed and thrive outdoors during the spring and summer and move into homes when they begin overwintering.

During the overwintering phase, these fall bugs move into warm spaces and enter a state of semi-hibernation known as diapause. They don't eat or drink anything during this time and generally hibernate in large groups. The length of time a species remains in diapause can vary. For example, ladybugs can typically survive up to 9 months when hibernating indoors, while stink bugs and box elder bugs generally overwinter from fall to spring.

What Bugs Are Common During the Change of Seasons?

In addition to these bugs, other insects may also try to make it inside during the fall season:

• Ants: When fall weather is rainy and cold, you may find ants indoors. Ants relocate to drier nesting spots when wet weather floods their colonies. The most obvious sign of ant infestation is visible ants in your home. You might only spot a few at first, but they can multiply quickly.

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches may come knocking when the weather turns cold, as they thrive in warm, moist environments. In addition to visible cockroaches, some signs of infestation include brown droppings, cockroach egg casings and musty odors.

• Spiders: Spiders are often found in basements and crawlspaces. They generally come inside when following their prey. When spiders infest your space, you may spot them scurrying along walls and ceilings.

• Earwigs: Earwigs like to camp out in moist, dark areas. During the colder seasons, you may find them in your bathroom or garage. Earwigs love to chew on plants, and they leave powdery black droppings.

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How Do I Keep Fall Bugs out of My House This Season?

Taking some simple preventive measures may help keep outdoor insects from invading your indoor space. However, if you have evidence of an active infestation, it's always a good idea to schedule an inspection with a pest control professional.

Here are some ways to help prevent fall insect infestations in your home:

• Seal up cracks and gaps. Little critters can easily enter your warm home via cracks and gaps. Make sure to seal areas around windows and doors, and replace or seal cracked or damaged pipes.

• Remove standing water. Insects in search of water may invade birdbaths, mop buckets and flower pots. Removing standing water sources at the start of the fall season may help prevent insect activity.

• Clean your gutters. Gutters filled with leaves and debris make it easy for water to pool. Cleaning out your gutters regularly can help prevent water-seeking insects.

• Maintain firewood and mulch. If you have firewood or mulch piled up against your home's foundation, this can create the perfect breeding ground for pests like ants and spiders. Ideally, firewood should be stored off the ground and at least 20 feet from your home. Placing mulch piles at least 6 inches to a foot away from your home's foundation may also help reduce excess moisture buildup and keep the pests away.

• Schedule periodic pest control maintenance. Scheduling annual or semiannual pest maintenance is one of the easiest pest control preventive measures. A licensed exterminator can perform a thorough inspection of your home and check every nook and cranny for fall bugs. If they find insect activity, they'll advise on the best solutions to evict them as soon as possible.