As the Temperatures Fall and Days Grow Shorter: How to Deal with Stink Bugs and Ladybugs Invading Your Home

As summer fades into fall, the cooler weather often encourages us to spend more time indoors. Unfortunately, it’s not just humans who seek the warmth of the indoors during the cooler months. Certain insects, especially stink bugs and ladybugs, follow the same instinct, entering homes to escape the dropping temperatures. If you’ve noticed an uptick in these bugs inside your home, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are simple strategies to manage and prevent their invasion.

Why Do Stink Bugs and Ladybugs Invade Homes?

Stink bugs and ladybugs are part of a group of insects known as “overwintering” species, meaning they seek shelter in warm places to survive the cold winter months. These bugs aren’t necessarily looking for food; instead, they are attracted to the warmth and protection your home provides. As the temperatures fall and days grow shorter, they look for small cracks and gaps in walls, windows, and doors to sneak inside.

Stink Bugs: Brown marmorated stink bugs are named for the unpleasant odor they release when threatened or crushed. They primarily feed on plants, and while they won’t harm humans or damage your home, they can become a nuisance when they cluster in large numbers.

Ladybugs (Ladybird Beetles): Ladybugs, though considered beneficial for gardens because they eat aphids and other pests, can be a bother when they congregate inside your house. Some species, like the Asian lady beetle, can bite, causing mild discomfort to humans, though they are generally harmless.

How to Prevent Stink Bugs and Ladybugs from Entering Your Home

Prevention is key when it comes to keeping stink bugs and ladybugs out of your home. Here are some steps you can take to minimize their entry:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for any cracks, gaps, or holes that these bugs could use to get inside. Pay special attention to areas around windows, doors, chimneys, and utility lines. Use caulk, weather stripping, or sealant to fill in any cracks, no matter how small.
Install Screens: Make sure all windows and vents are properly screened. Check for holes or tears in your existing window screens and repair or replace them as necessary. Consider adding fine mesh screens over attic vents and chimneys to further block entry.
Close Off Attics and Basements: Stink bugs and ladybugs often congregate in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Make sure these areas are properly sealed off from the main living spaces, and check for any possible entry points.
Keep Outdoor Lights Off: Stink bugs and ladybugs are attracted to light. Reducing outdoor lighting around your home at night can discourage them from gathering near your windows and doors.
Use Weather Stripping: Ensure your doors and windows are properly sealed with weather stripping. This creates a barrier that can prevent bugs from sneaking through small gaps.