How to Keep Overwintering Pests Out of Your Home
Where Do Bugs Go in the Winter?
When temperatures drop in South Dakota, certain insects don’t die off or migrate. Instead, they seek shelter in homes and buildings to survive the winter. These are known as overwintering pests. While they don’t reproduce indoors, they can gather in large numbers, creating a nuisance for homeowners until spring.
Common Overwintering Pests in South Dakota
Several pests are especially active in the Upper Midwest:
- Asian lady beetles – Often mistaken for ladybugs, these beetles cluster by the hundreds on sunny sides of houses in the fall. Once inside, they can stain walls and fabrics with yellow secretions.
- Brown marmorated stink bugs – Recognizable by their shield-shaped bodies, they release a strong odor when crushed or disturbed.
- Cluster flies – Larger than house flies, they gather in attics, wall voids, and unused rooms. On warmer winter days, they may appear buzzing around windows.
Why Do They Enter Homes?
South Dakota’s long, cold winters push these pests to look for warmth and shelter. Houses provide the perfect environment, with cracks and gaps around siding, windows, attics, and vents serving as easy entry points. Once inside, they remain dormant until temperatures rise, which is why homeowners often see them reappear in spring.
Signs of Overwintering Pests Indoors
You might be dealing with overwintering pests if you notice:
- Groups of beetles or stink bugs gathering near windows or light fixtures.
- Buzzing flies in attics, basements, or unused rooms on sunny winter days.
- Staining on walls or fabrics caused by Asian lady beetle secretions.
- A noticeable odor from disturbed stink bugs.
Prevention Tips Before Winter
The best time to stop overwintering pests is before they get inside. Homeowners can reduce problems by:
- Sealing cracks around doors, windows, siding, and foundations with caulk or sealant.
- Repairing torn screens and installing door sweeps.
- Using weatherstripping to close small gaps.
- Reducing outdoor lighting near entry points, which attracts beetles and stink bugs.
- Inspecting attics, chimneys, and rooflines for openings.
Professional Treatment Options
If pests have already moved indoors, DIY options are limited. Vacuuming can remove visible insects, but it won’t reach those hiding in wall voids. Professional pest control services provide barrier treatments in the fall to keep pests out and targeted applications indoors if they’re already present. Our trained technicians can also identify structural vulnerabilities and recommend exclusion solutions to prevent future infestations. Contact us today to get started and ensure your home is pest-free all winter long!