Other Pests
Various
Beyond common household pests, many occasional invaders can find their way into homes. From stink bugs to earwigs, these pests may not pose major threats but can be a nuisance when they appear in large numbers.
Occasional Invader Identification Guide
Physical Characteristics
Occasional invaders vary widely in appearance. Stink bugs are shield-shaped and brown. Boxelder bugs are black with red markings. Asian lady beetles resemble ladybugs but in various colors. Earwigs have distinctive pincers. What unites them is their pattern of entering homes seasonally rather than living there permanently.
Common Species
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Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs - Shield-shaped brown insects that invade in fall and release a foul odor when disturbed.
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Boxelder Bugs - Black bugs with red wing markings that congregate on sunny walls and seek indoor shelter.
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Asian Lady Beetles - Ladybug-like insects in various colors that invade homes in fall and can bite and stain.
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Earwigs - Long, flat insects with rear pincers that prefer damp areas and occasionally enter homes.
Behavior and Biology
Occasional invaders typically live outdoors, feeding on plants, other insects, or organic matter. They enter homes when conditions outside become unfavorable, particularly during the transition from warm to cold weather in fall. Unlike true household pests, they can’t reproduce indoors and don’t infest food or cause structural damage. However, their numbers can be overwhelming when large populations seek shelter simultaneously.
How We Treat for Occasional Invaders
Effective control focuses on keeping these pests outside:
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Exterior Barrier Treatment - We apply targeted treatments around the foundation, windows, doors, and other entry points before invasion season. This barrier eliminates pests before they can enter.
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Entry Point Identification - We inspect your home for gaps and openings that allow pest entry, providing recommendations for sealing these access points.
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Interior Treatment - For active indoor infestations, we treat harboring areas while you vacuum up visible pests. We identify how they’re getting in to prevent future invasions.
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Seasonal Timing - Fall treatment before the first frost is critical for stink bugs and similar pests. We time our treatments to provide maximum protection during peak invasion periods.
Types of Other Pests
Click on any species below to learn more about identification, behavior, and control methods.
Common Questions about Other Pests
What are occasional invaders?
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Occasional invaders are pests that don't typically live indoors but enter homes during certain seasons or weather conditions. They include stink bugs, boxelder bugs, Asian lady beetles, earwigs, and similar pests that seek shelter or accidentally wander inside.
Why do stink bugs come into my house?
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Stink bugs enter homes in fall seeking shelter for winter. They're attracted to warm, sunny sides of buildings and enter through gaps around windows, doors, and siding. Once inside, they may emerge on warm winter days, seeming to appear suddenly.
Are stink bugs harmful?
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Stink bugs don't bite, sting, or cause structural damage. Their main issue is the unpleasant odor they release when disturbed or crushed. They can also stain fabrics and surfaces with their defensive secretions.
What's the best way to remove stink bugs?
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Vacuum them up using a shop vac or a dedicated vacuum, as the odor can linger in regular vacuums. You can also sweep them into soapy water. Avoid crushing them, as this releases their characteristic smell.
How do I prevent occasional invaders?
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Seal cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Install door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Apply exterior treatments in fall before pests start seeking shelter. Address moisture issues that attract some invaders.
Explore Other Pest Categories
Browse our comprehensive pest library for identification guides and control information.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years.
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