Fall Invaders

Pest Control Southern Maine

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These pests love to enter your home in the fall and all have similar body structures. It is very typical to see one of these near an upstairs window on a beautiful fall day in Maine. Pest Control can be challenging with these pests, but Green Shield Pest Solutions is well-equipped to help.

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Asian Lady Beetle

Named after: It originates from Asia where it dwells in fields and trees, preying on aphids and similar bugs. It’s a newer bug to the US, with reports dating back to the early 90s.

Identification: ¼,” typically orange but will sometimes be disguised as it’s beneficial cousin, the lady bug. They are longer than lady bugs, have a snout, and a black shaped “M” on their white head.

Seasonality: Fall and sometimes spring

Tips for homeowners: They often scavenge for many types of food and are attracted to the odor of garbage cans and patios where human food is found outdoors. Keeping the exterior of your home clean is important.

How Green Shield can help: With such a wide variety of places they can build, Green Shield is an excellent source to discover and treat each nest. Often, they can be difficult to find due to some building underground cavities which are not always spotted easily when walking across your lawn. Yellow jackets can be aggressive and will protect their nests if threatened which can pose a danger to children unaware of their location.

Weird fact: There are 18 species of yellow jackets, many of which live in Maine.

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Boxelder Bug

Named after: They often feed on the boxelder tree.

Identification: ½,” black with reddish-orange markings on their back, a flattened and elongated oval shape.

Seasonality: Fall

Why they are in/near my home: In the fall they will aggregate on rocks, sides of homes, and trees in the sunlight. They will migrate to homes for shelter before the colder months hit, not emerging until Spring. In the winter, they will nest in the cracks in walls.

Tips for homeowners: Repair any holes in window and door screens. Seal cracks and crevices with a silicon caulk and install door sweeps.

How Green Shield can help: If a boxelder bug problem is present, Green Shield can come assess the situation. Exclusion work is the most permanent solution and Green Shield is well-equipped to handle the problem.

Weird fact: They are not known for their bite, but their piercing-sucking mouthparts can puncture the skin, causing a mosquito-like bite.

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Conifer Seed Bug

Named after: Feeds on the sap of developing conifer cones.

Identification: 3/4,” brown and often confused with the stink bug. The easiest way to tell them apart is that the conifer seed bug’s body is much longer. Tibia of hind leg is leaf shaped

Seasonality: Fall

Why they are in/near my home: Like all the fall invaders on this list, the western conifer seed bug seeks shelter on the inside of your home to hunker down for the winter. They don’t bite, but can fly and are great in number.

Tips for homeowners: Tighten up your home by sealing small gaps and cracks in windows and doors.

How Green Shield can help: Timing is critical since these have been one of the most prominent fall invaders the past few years in Maine. Getting the home treated before the cold weather arrives will provide a barrier so the conifer seed bug stays away. It can be very difficult to seal every crack which is why hiring a professional like Green Shield to perform an exterior treatment is the most effective way to go. We have the knowledge and equipment to effectively treat and to keep them outside where they belong.

Weird fact: They don’t have the unfortunate name of “stink” in their title, but don’t let that fool you. If you get too close or squash them, be prepared to smell a foul odor.

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Stink bug

Named after: They release an odor when disturbed or crushed.

Identification: 1/2”-3/4,” mottled brown color with dark bands on the wings, not as long as the western conifer seed bug.

Seasonality: Fall

Why they are in/near my home: They seek shelter on the inside of your home when the weather turns colder, but many see a boom in spring as well. Thanks to their flat shape, they can sneak in through screens, doors, cracks, and crevices. They gravitate toward light which is why you typically see them enter windows that receive a lot of sunlight.

Tips for homeowners: Seal all openings that are 1/8” and larger.

How Green Shield can help: Green Shield will design a unique plan for your situation after doing a thorough inspection. The best possible solution is for an exterior treatment to take place, preferably before fall so entry is minimized. Your Green Shield Service professional will also instruct you to seal all cracks that are 1/8” and larger along with other advice depending on the home.

Weird fact: They are a newer bug to New England and have only been around since the late 90s.