Pests always seem to be in tune with changes in weather. Perhaps that’s why these invaders prepare for the winter long before we start thinking about fall maintenance and pest prevention.

1. Rats and Mice

It’s no secret that rats and mice love to come inside as soon as temperatures drop. They squeeze through tiny cracks and establish nests in your warm, cozy home. Once inside, these toothy critters chew on wires and building materials.

2. Stink Bugs

Stink bugs, specifically the brown marmorated variety, are a new phenomenon in the pest world. Since arriving in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s, stink bugs have terrorized homeowners up and down the East Coast. They enter homes when the days grow shorter and promptly emerge from every orifice imaginable.

3. Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles

Introduced to control agricultural pests, this non-native bug is found throughout Georgia. The Asian lady beetle crawls under siding and into homes through tiny gaps. Unfortunately, they also release pheromones to let their friends know about the perfect place to overwinter.

4. Kudzu Bugs

In the past five years, populations of this shield bug have reached epidemic portions. The problem started in Georgia, and it’s not improving. This nuisance pest has many of the same behaviors that make lady beetles so troublesome. Plus, they deposit eggs in their overwintering locations.

5. Spiders

Compared to stink bugs, spiders may not seem so bad. Spiders also seek sheltered locations and are attracted by the presence of other pests. It’s easy to carry these unwanted guests into your home when you store patio furniture or bring houseplants indoors.

To limit the use of insecticides, the National Pest Management Association advocates a proactive strategy that combines weatherization and seasonal inspections. If you’ve seen unidentified bugs, give us a call. We serve homeowners throughout metro Atlanta, and we’ll be happy to control your pest problem before it starts.