Occasional invaders are a group of pests that plague homes whenever weather conditions threaten their survival. This includes creatures like boxelder bugs, centipedes, crickets, earwigs, ladybugs, millipedes, pillbugs, scorpions, silverfish, slugs, springtails, and stink bugs.
While these pests are active all year round, they are more often noticed during the fall season because they are looking for a place for winter.
Most of these pests are only deemed as annoying nuisances while some specific ones pose non-health related problems. For example, silverfish can infest paper products like books and envelopes while Boxelder bugs and ladybugs can release a defensive fluid when they are crushed which can stain curtains, drapes, clothing, and other fabrics.
In order to prevent an occasional invader infestation, homeowners should eliminate harborage sites like leaf piles, mulch, and overgrown vegetation. Possible points of entry for these pests should also be sealed well like cracks in the foundation, utility pipes, and wood fascia. Moreover, screen doors and windows should be properly maintained.
In the event that an infestation occurs, homeowner could use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of pests and then discard the vacuum bag accordingly. For worse cases, it is wise to contact licensed pet professionals to deal with the problem at hand.
