Joellen Lampman, School & Turfgrass IPM Extension Support Specialist
I recently presented at the New York State School Facilities Association Conference & Expo and was asked multiple times, “What can I do about boxelder bugs?”. That provided the opportunity to talk about them and other fall invaders. The good news is that most fall invaders are just looking for a warm place to wait out the cold winter. The bad news is that usually we have had our first frost by now, and the lack of frost is extending the period of time that intruders are attempting to break into our buildings. But there are still steps we can take to prevent more from coming in.
First, let’s take a quick look at the invaders. The usual culprits include:
Asian ladybird beetle – click on picture to see a larger version. For more information, visit the What’s Bugging You? Multicolored Asian Lady beetle page.
Brown marmorated stink bug – click on picture to see a larger version. For more information, visit the What’s Bugging You? Brown Marmorated Stink Bug page.
Boxelder bugs – click on picture to see a larger version. For more information, visit the What’s Bugging You? Boxelder Bugs page.
Western conifer seed bug – click on picture to see a larger version. For more information, visit the What’s Bugging You? Western Conifer Seed Bug page.
Most of these invaders are merely nuisances. They do not feed over the winter, are not causing structural damage, and aren’t reproducing. The most damaging of fall invaders are not insects, but the four-footed fall invaders, white-footed and deer mice.
Not an insect, but another common fall invader. White-footed and deer mice can enter small holes and, unlike other fall invaders, can cause damage and impact air quality – click on picture to view the video. For more information, visit the What’s Bugging You? White-footed and Deer Mice page.
As part of our new First Friday events, Dr. Matt Frye offers tips to prevent invasion of mice and overwintering pests into homes during the fall. These tips are applicable to schools as well.
For more information, check out our new What’s Bugging You? Fall Intruders page dedicated to the subject. This page will link you to our page on pest exclusion which includes what materials are best to use for specific projects.