In the grand scope of things, occasional invaders are not a big issue in the world of pest control. A few ladybugs, a couple of stink bugs, and even a silverfish or two don’t run most of us out of the house. Now a spider might cause you to stand on a chair, and just one cricket can deprive you of several night’s sleep. 

Occasional invaders typically don’t become a problem until they become an infestation. Even a harmless ladybug becomes not so cute anymore when they have covered your walls with their “mark”. Is there anything positive to associate with the word “infestation”?

What are they looking for?

Occasional invaders, like most pests,  are typically looking for food, water, or warmth. The best places to find them are under sinks, cupboards, crawl spaces, basements, showers, and tubs.

What are some common occasional invaders?

Centipedes (usually found in shower drains)

Earwigs (usually found in moist areas)

Pill Bugs (aka Roly Polies or Doodle Bugs)

Crickets

Beetles

Silverfish (attracted to paper like wallpaper, books, and envelopes)

Ladybugs 

Spiders 

Cluster flies

Stinkbugs

If they aren’t really harmful, then what’s the problem?

You won’t get carried off into the night by a swarm of ladybugs, however…there are some occasional invaders with some pretty yucky characteristics. Again, a few aren’t a problem. It’s all about an infestation. Here is a list of reasons to avoid an infestation of occasional invaders.

Some secrete foul odors 

Some may cause damage and/or staining to your indoor fabrics

They can damage your indoor plants

They may bite or pinch you or your pets

When they die, their bodies can attract other pests

The dead bodies, shed skins and droppings can cause some people to have allergic and/or asthma issues

Occasional invaders

Occasional invaders typically don’t become a problem until they become an infestation.

Where are they the rest of the year?

Occasional invaders aren’t mysterious pests that suddenly appear in the winter, they are active year round. Most of the time they are outdoors and we don’t notice them until they start getting inside our homes for the winter. 

Pest control is a partnership.

We will say it again. Keeping all pests OUT of your home is most of the war. Pay attention to cracks around windows and doors, tears in screens, piles of leaves, or branches around your home. Repair any possible entryway for pests so they can’t get in your home. Eliminate areas where water can collect. Check under your sinks for leaking pipes and repair. 

When you partner with Lawn and Pest Solutions, we will help you wage war against the “occasional invaders”. Our services will also protect your home from termites, roaches, ants, and more. Our licensed pest technicians will thoroughly spray inside and outside of your home on a regular schedule to keep your home pest-free year-round. Contact us here to learn more about our pest 360 programs or mosquito yard treatment.

The term “occasional invaders” sounds somewhere between a piece of fancy furniture and an early 80’s video game. You might not think of pests in your home when you hear that phrase. What is the definition of “occasional” anyway?

oc·ca·sion·al

/əˈkāZHənl/

Learn to pronounce

adjective

adjective: occasional

1. occurring, appearing, or done infrequently and irregularly. “the occasional car went by but no taxis”

Why do some of the occasional invaders have to be so cute?

In the South, many of us think of Herbie the Lovebug when we hear “doodlebug”, and even play games when we see Volkswagen “beetles” on the road. But…

According to the Illinois Department of Health occasional invaders are pests that aren’t really that bothersome until they infest your home. One or two occasional invaders like a doodlebug or a ladybug don’t send us up on the sofa with a rolled up newspaper. The same may not be said for a spider, and a single cricket has been known to cause a sleepless night for many. However, as with many of the pests and issues that involve home pest control, it’s all about the numbers. You know it, that dreaded word, “infestation”.

Here is a list of reasons to avoid an infestation of occasional invaders

Some secrete foul odors (that’s enough for me right there)

Some cause damage and/or staining to your fabrics inside

They can damage your indoor plants

They may bite or pinch you or your pets

When they die, their bodies can attract other pests

Sometimes their dead bodies and skins that have been shed (plus their droppings and such) can cause some people to have allergic and/or asthma issues

Who are these occasional invaders?

• Centipedes (usually found in shower drains)
• Earwigs (usually found in moist areas)
• Pill Bugs (aka Roly Polies or Doodle Bugs)
• Crickets
• Beetles (check out our previous blog on beetles)
• Silverfish (attracted to paper like wallpaper, books and envelopes)
• Ladybugs (check out our previous blog on ladybugs) 
• Spiders (check out our previous blog on spiders)
• Cluster flies
• Stink bugs

Occasional invaders aren’t mysterious pests that suddenly appear in the winter, they are active year round. Most of the time they are outdoors and we don’t notice them until they start getting inside our homes for the winter. As with almost every pest we battle, keeping them OUT of your home is most of the war. Paying attention to cracks around windows and doors, tears in screens, piles of leaves or branches around the home helps. Repair any possible entryway for pests so they can’t get in your home. Remove piles of leaves and sticks and overgrown vegetation. Eliminate areas where water can collect. Check under your sinks for leaking pipes and repair. 

If all else fails, know that you can count on Lawn and Pest Solutions to help you wage war against the “occasional invaders” . We are also here to protect your home from termites, roaches, ants and more. Our licensed pest technicians will thoroughly spray inside and outside of your home on a regular schedule to ensure this problem is taken care of now and later. Contact us here to learn more about our #pest360 program.