Extension

Oklahomans aren’t dealing with mosquitoes this time of year, but there are a few insect pests that are looking for a warm place to hunker down for the winter.

Boxelder and red-shoulder bugs are prevalent during the warmer weather and are typically found on maple, ash, boxelder, golden rain tree, western soapberry and fruit trees. However, once the cool weather arrives, they try to find a way inside buildings to overwinter.

 

While these bugs aren’t harmful to pets or people, and can cause only minimal problems to trees, nobody wants bugs inside their home. What can homeowners do? Some control measures include:

• Plant trees that don’t attract these bugs.
• Caulk openings around windows and doors, and seal cracks in walls, foundations or siding.
• Vacuum bugs in the house. Be careful not to crush them as they can stain fabrics and walls.
• Remove boxelder, soapberry and golden rain trees growing near the house.

This time of year, people may also notice an invasion of crickets and ladybugs. Crickets certainly make themselves known when they’re chirping. It’s fine when people are outside around the fire pit or enjoying a relaxing evening on the patio, but that noise inside the house is annoying. Crickets are attracted to lights and often enter the home when the porch light is on. They’re known to damage fabrics and chew on leather, wood, rubber and plastic goods.

 

The best method of control is to seal entry points. Also, remove hiding places such as piles of wood, brick or other debris near the house. Be sure to control weeds and tall grasses around the perimeter of your home.

 

Although it’s a cute little bug, the Asian lady beetle, also known as a ladybug, has some redeeming qualities; however, it can be a nuisance pest in the spring and fall. Introduced into the United States from Japan during the 1960s, ladybugs were used to control various agricultural pests, such as pecan aphids. They can consume hundreds of aphids per day.

 

They seek out shelter during the cold months by finding refuge in cracks, crevices and other voids in homes. They stay there until the weather warms up, and while the Asian lady beetle isn’t harmful, they can bite. Infestations may cause allergic reactions in some people. They don’t consume wood like a termite, nor do they reproduce inside buildings. They do, however, become a nuisance when they accumulate indoors in large numbers. When disturbed, they produce an unpleasant, acrid odor and yellowish fluid that can stain clothing and furniture.

 

Sealing all cracks and crevices in outer walls with mortar or a similar product is the most effective way to keep pests out of the house. Check window screens and repair tears as necessary. You can also simply suck them up in a vacuum with a hose attachment. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister immediately after use.