Insects heading inside? Don’t make bug spray the first move

Bug spray shouldn't be the automatic first response when insects seek the warmth of your home as cooler temperatures dominate outdoors, says Van Banks, Yell County extension agent for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

“It can be annoying when beetles, box elder bugs, crickets, stinkbugs, spiders or any of the various other million or so different insect pests invade your home this time of year in an attempt to escape the cold weather outside,” he said. “The first thing most people think of when trying to prevent an insect problem is, ‘What insecticide do I spray?’”

“There are other things that should be done first that will help prevent the pest problems and may even eliminate the need for an insecticide application,” he said.

Insect proofing your home is the best way to prevent unwanted pest invasions this time of year. There are some pest-proofing steps to follow to stop these invaders. First, try to eliminate entrances used by pests.

Other actions to consider are:

• Inspect and repair all caulking
• Inspect and repair all weather stripping
• Repair all screens
• Repair loose siding; and
• Use residual insecticides around the foundation of the home.
  

Try to eliminate areas that can harbor insects inside the home – those “places where insects can rest and hang out or find food and moisture,” Banks said.

These actions include:

• Seal indoor cracks and crevices
• Eliminate leaks and moisture
• Store food properly; and
• Keep lids on garbage cans

If the listed maintenance and sanitation guidelines are carried out, pests will be discouraged or prevented from invading in the first place.

However, if nuisance pests do get inside in large numbers, “they can be vacuumed up and the vacuum cleaner bag can be discarded outside,” he said. “You can also line the vacuum cleaner hose with a stocking, and insects will be conveniently bagged.”

Banks said that when insects are present in high numbers, no insecticide is recommended.

“Many insects will die in inaccessible places, making clean up impossible, and these dead insects will serve as a food source for other pest insects like carpet beetles or other beetles,” he said.
If insects are present in low numbers, sweep them into a dustpan and remove by hand.

Homeowners may also wish to use over-the-counter residual insecticides labeled for crevice and/or surface treatment.

A list of insecticides for homeowner use can be found on our Homeowner Insecticide Product List and insecticides listed by insect can be found on the Household and Structural Pest Control list.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and has an office in every county in Arkansas. Visit our website at www.uaex.edu for more information.