Winter Temps Push Pests Indoors

As the temperatures begin their march towards winter freezes, many insects will be looking for warmer climates indoors in homes and apartments.

Oregon Department of Agriculture Entomologist Jim LaBonte said while the pests are not dangerous to humans, they can surprise the homeowner.

“We get calls throughout the year, but fall and winter is when we get the most of these calls because there are several species of insects– both introduced and native– that enter houses in large numbers at this time of year.”

For the most part, homeowners can determine their own tolerance for the pests and how much effort they want to put in to get rid of them.

Labonte does note that if you do want prevent any infestations, there are a couple of simple steps.

“The best thing to do is to seal up points of access like the gaps under doors leading outside, any windows that may not be sealed very well, dryer vents, things like that. That’s really the best and most effective strategy you can use to keep them from coming in.”

One of the biggest bugs of concern in the Northwest is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug which is a pest that can hurt fruit growers significantly.