How to Prevent Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs Inside

What Asian beetles look like in Central Iowa - Springer Professional Home Services

Here in Central Iowa, sometimes it seems that summer doesn’t quite stick around for long enough. Each year, as temperatures drop into a chilly winter, many kinds of pests seek refuge from the cold in our homes. Two of the most notable of these are the Asian lady beetle and the boxelder bug. If you don’t take the right precautions, these bugs can become quite a nuisance. You can trust the experts at Springer Professional Home Services to teach you how to avoid them in your home or to help you get rid of them once they’ve gotten out of hand!

All About Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs

Asian lady beetles are commonly confused with ladybugs but are a different species altogether. Here are some features to look out for to be sure you’re dealing with Asian lady beetles:

  • Their color ranges from yellow to orange, to red, and they have an “M”-shaped mark on the back of their heads
  • They release a smelly, yellow substance when they are threatened or squished
  • You are more likely to find them indoors in the winter than ladybugs or many other pests

Boxelder bugs look quite different but cause the same amount of annoyance in Central Iowa homes. Here’s what to know:

  • Boxelder bugs have primarily black bodies with geometric red lines across their backs
  • They are often found around boxelder trees, as well as maple, ash, and fruit trees
  • Their feces leaves stains inside our homes

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How to Prevent Asian Lady Beetles and Boxelder Bugs

Both of these insects are opportunistic pests. No crevice in your home goes unexplored come wintertime. Here is a list of ways to prevent boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles from entering your home this year:

  1. Inspect your entire property for even the tiniest points of entry into your house
  2. Make sure that the caulk around your molding is intact—seal any cracks on roofing and siding
  3. Put screens on doors and windows or check for tears on existing screens
  4. Keep your yard tidy and your plants trimmed

Taking all of these steps will reduce your chances of an infestation in your home and the chance of these pests populating your yard in the first place.

Pest Prevention Services in Des Moines IA

Whether you want to get a head start on preventing boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles this year or they’ve already taken over your home, Springer Professional Home Services can help. We have been serving businesses and homeowners in Central Iowa since 1989, developing the best pest management systems and technicians in the region. Don’t let Asian lady beetles or boxelder bugs in this year—contact us today for a free quote!

Prevent Halloween Pest Infestations With These Tips

Spiders are common fall pests in Des Moines IA - Springer Professional Home Services

Pest infestations during the holiday season are any property owner’s worst nightmare. With Halloween just a few weeks away, now is the time to safeguard your home from creepy-crawly pests. Many insects and pests are known to hide out in boxes stored right in your garage. Others are looking to get indoors to escape dropping temperatures outdoors here in Des Moines. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to do everything in your power to keep pests out. Keep reading for our top tips to prevent Halloween pest infestations!

Common Pests Around the Holidays

Infestations often begin when certain pests hide out in your stored boxes of decorations. Some of the most common pests include rats and mice, who squeeze their way inside for warmth, food, and shelter. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are another common fall pest, both of which flock to the side of your home and could crawl in if given the chance. Spider populations boom this time of year, which is why you might be seeing more webs than ever. Some of these pests could be lurking in old boxes of decorations or simply hiding out in your yard, making it important to know how to protect your property from pests.

Have a pest problem? We can help!

How to Prevent Halloween Pest Infestations

You may be putting fate rodents or bats out as decorations, but you definitely want to prevent the real ones from getting indoors! As you would any other time of the year, it’s important to implement preventative measures to keep fall pests away. Our top tips include:

  1. Sealing all cracks and crevices in your home with caulk
  2. Installing new window or door screens
  3. Cleaning up your yard’s foliage
  4. Keeping a tidy kitchen with sealed food containers
  5. Storing all seasonal decorations in airtight plastic bins

Seasonal Pest Infestations

No one has time to deal with pests during the holiday season. To protect your property, implement pest exclusion tactics, and make sure to be careful unpacking any boxes that have been stored away for months. If you need assistance protecting your property or already have an infestation, contact the residential exterminators at Springer Professional Home Services.