On a warm November afternoon in Edmond, you might see dozens of small bugs clustered on the sunny side of your house. Boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs and similar overwintering insects look for protected spots to spend the winter, and the walls of your home are a prime target.
What overwintering pests are
Overwintering pests do not breed inside your home. They look for a sheltered place to wait out the cold. In fall they gather on warm, south- and west-facing walls, then squeeze into cracks around windows, siding, soffits and attic vents.
On warm winter days, some of them wake up and wander into living spaces. That is when homeowners suddenly find them on curtains, light fixtures and windowsills.
Are they harmful?
Boxelder bugs and stink bugs do not bite people or damage the structure of your house. The problems are:
- They can stain curtains and walls with their droppings
- Stink bugs release an unpleasant odor when crushed or disturbed
- Large numbers can show up inside on sunny winter days
- Dead insects in wall voids and attics can attract other pests
Why spraying indoors does not fix it
By the time you see them inside, many more are already in wall voids. Spraying the ones you see does little. The effective approach is to keep them from getting in.
How to keep them out
Seal the gaps. Caulk cracks around window and door frames, repair torn screens, and seal gaps where utility lines enter. This is the single most effective step.
Check attic and soffit vents. Make sure screens are intact.
Treat the exterior at the right time. A professional exterior treatment in early fall, before the insects move in, can reduce the number that settle on your home. Timing matters, which is why ongoing seasonal service works better than one-time sprays.
Vacuum, don't crush. Indoors, vacuum stink bugs and boxelder bugs and empty the canister outside. Crushing them causes odor and stains.
Frequently asked questions
Why are they only on one side of my house?
Overwintering insects gather on the warmest walls, usually the south and west sides that get afternoon sun.
Will they breed inside my home?
No. They shelter inside for the winter and leave in spring, but sealing gaps keeps them from getting in at all.
When is the best time to treat?
Early fall, before they move into wall voids. Once they are inside, exclusion and vacuuming are the main tools.
How Koalaty helps
Our residential pest control plans include exterior treatments timed for Oklahoma seasons, and our garage and window sealing service closes the gaps these insects use. Koalaty Pest Control is a veteran-led local company with more than 15 years of experience in the OKC metro. Call (405) 543-3338 or contact us for an inspection.
