What Are Overwintering Insects?
“Overwintering insects” is a catch-all term for the various bugs that seek shelter indoors to survive the cold months. The group includes boxelder bugs, Asian ladybugs, kudzu bugs, conifer seed bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, and cluster flies. As temperatures drop in fall, these insects look for warm, protected spaces, and homes provide the perfect refuge. Once inside they generally do not reproduce or feed much, but they can gather in large, frustrating numbers in attics, wall voids, and around windows.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Among overwintering pests, the brown marmorated stink bug is one of the most familiar. Shield-shaped and about four-fifths of an inch long, it is recognizable by its brown, triangular body and the white bands on its antennae. True to its name, it releases a foul-smelling chemical from a gland in its abdomen when threatened or crushed. Originally from Asia, it has become a significant nuisance and agricultural pest in the United States, frequently slipping indoors to hibernate during stink bug season in fall and winter.
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Why They Come Indoors
Overwintering insects are drawn to warmth and head inside as the weather cools. With stink bugs in particular, once one finds its way in it releases an odor that signals others to follow, which is why a few quickly becomes many. They slip through cracks and gaps around windows, doors, siding, vents, and the foundation. Common signs of an infestation include live or dead insects indoors, clusters around sunny windows, excrement trails, and unpleasant odors.
Are They Dangerous?
The good news is that overwintering insects are not dangerous to people or pets; they do not bite or transmit disease. Stink bugs, however, can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, with symptoms like a runny nose or pink eye from the compounds they release. The bigger concerns are the nuisance of large numbers indoors, the odor that stink bugs and some other species produce, and the plant or crop damage many of these insects cause when active outdoors during the warmer months.
How KR Controls Overwintering Insects
DIY methods rarely solve an overwintering insect problem. With stink bugs, crushing them or vacuuming them up can spread their odor, so they should be removed carefully with a broom and dustpan. The most effective long-term approach is sealing the cracks and gaps that let insects in and treating entry points before the fall influx begins. The participating providers in our network use targeted, environmentally responsible methods to keep these pests out of your home and yard. Call (855) 560-1396 to get started.
Ready for Pest-Free Living?
Call now to be connected with a licensed pest control provider who may assist with inspections, treatment options, and pest management services.