Living in Colorado, residents often enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife the state has to offer. However, not all local wildlife is welcome, especially when it involves pests like earwigs, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and stink bugs. These pests can become more than a nuisance, invading your home and creating discomfort for you and your family. Here’s how you can keep these common pests at bay and recognize when it’s time to call in the professionals, such as Front Range Pest Control.
Identifying Common Colorado Pests
- Earwigs: These small, dark, narrow insects have pincers on their tails and are often found in moist areas. Earwigs sometimes swarm homes in search of shelter from extreme weather conditions. During periods of dry, hot weather, they look for cooler, moist places to survive. During heavy rains, earwigs come indoors to escape saturated soils.
- Boxelder Bugs: Recognizable by their black and red markings, these bugs are typically found on or around boxelder trees during warmer months. In the fall, boxelder bugs congregate in significant numbers as they search for a warm spot to overwinter. They tuck themselves into tiny cracks and crevices within walls to shield themselves from the cold.
- Cluster Flies: Larger than the common housefly, cluster flies have a golden sheen over their thorax and are slow flyers. Known for their tendency to huddle together, cluster flies don’t enter your home in search of food or to bread; instead, they are entering diapause (similar to hibernation.)
- Stink Bugs: Known for their shield-like shape and the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed or crushed, stink bugs swarm in search of shelter from decreasing temperatures and shorter days. Once a stink bug finds a suitable location, it releases a pheromone that attracts other stink bugs to the area. The more stink bugs gather, the more odor they can produce.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks, holes, and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Sealing these can prevent pests from entering.
- Maintain the Yard: Keep your garden tidy and debris-free. Trim overhanging branches that might provide a pathway to your home.
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaky faucets and ensure proper drainage around the home. Pests like earwigs thrive in moist conditions.
- Use Screens: Install screens on windows and vents. Check them regularly for holes and tears and repair them promptly.
Natural Deterrents
- Diatomaceous Earth: A non-toxic powder that can effectively kill pests by dehydrating them. Sprinkle around the home’s foundation and potential entry points.
- Essential Oils: Oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus can deter many types of insects. Apply diluted solutions around window sills and doorways.
Regularly inspect your home for signs of infestation, such as pest droppings, damaged plants, and unusual smells. Early detection can often allow for simpler, more effective treatment options. If preventative measures and home remedies do not control the infestation, or if the infestation becomes severe, it’s time to call professional pest control services. Front Range Pest specializes in safely and effectively eliminating and controlling insects in your home. We understand the behaviors of these common pests and can provide tailored solutions to keep your home pest-free.
Don’t let a small insect problem become a big one; contact us before an infestation gets out of control!
Front Range Pest is your trusted, family-owned pest and wildlife control company serving central Colorado and southern Wyoming. Our certified technicians have the expertise and credentials to ensure effective pest management for your home or business. As your all-in-one insect and wildlife specialists, we offer peace of mind by identifying wildlife entry points, removing nuisance pests, sealing access areas, performing cleanup, and making essential repairs. Schedule an inspection with us today.
Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.