Your Fall Survival Guide to Ladybugs… Box Elder Bugs… And Asian Beetles

Best Ways to Keep These Invaders Out of Your Home

When the weather cools, some bugs start looking for a warm place to ride out the winter. Asian beetles, ladybugs, and box elder bugs are the worst offenders.

They gather in huge numbers on the sunny sides of houses, barns, and sheds, then slip inside through cracks, screens, and siding. Asian beetles even release a scent that calls their friends to join them, which is why one or two quickly turn into hundreds.

Seal Up Before Winter

The best way to stop these pests is to block their entry points. Walk around your home and check windows, doors, siding, and places where pipes or cables enter. Even the tiniest gaps can invite a swarm.

Use caulk, foam, or weather stripping to seal cracks. Replace torn screens and add fine mesh where needed. A well-sealed house not only saves on heating bills but also keeps bugs outside where they belong.

Dealing With Bugs That Sneak In

No matter how careful you are, a few will probably find their way indoors. Don’t crush them—they stain walls, smell awful, and Asian beetles can even irritate pets.

Instead, grab the vacuum with a HEPA filter and suck them up, or gently sweep them into a jar you can seal and take outside. In dark attics or storage areas, you can make simple light traps to lure and collect them.

Diatomaceous Earth: Safe and Effective

A natural tool many homeowners use is diatomaceous earth, or DE. It’s a fine powder made from fossilized algae. To bugs, it feels like tiny razor blades that cut and dry them out, but it’s safe for people and pets.

Sprinkle food-grade DE on windowsills, baseboards, and cracks where you see activity. You can also dust woodpiles, attics, or wall voids before sealing them up. As long as it stays dry, DE keeps working all season.

Keep Them From Hiding Outside

Many beetles and box elder bugs camp out in outdoor shelters before sneaking inside. They love stacked firewood, loose siding, and leaf piles. Store your firewood at least 20 feet from the house and keep it off the ground. Dust woodpiles with DE before covering them for winter. Rake away leaves and debris from around your foundation and trim back branches from maple, ash, or box elder trees—favorite hangouts for these pests.

Use Smells They Don’t Like

Bugs rely on scent signals to gather, so masking those scents can help. Essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or citrus sprayed around windows and doors can make your home less appealing. You can also place bay leaves or cloves in windowsills or closets where activity is high. These natural scents break up the bug communication and discourage swarming.

For Heavy Infestations

Sometimes the problem is just too big for DIY fixes. If you’ve sealed and cleaned and still have swarms, you may need a professional. Pest control experts can apply treatments to areas homeowners can’t easily reach.

If you prefer to try one last step yourself, insecticide dusts made for overwintering pests can be applied in outlets, attics, or wall voids. Always follow the label and don’t overdo it—too much dust makes bugs avoid the area.

A Simple Fall Routine Pays Off

A little fall prep goes a long way. Seal cracks, refresh caulking, repair screens, and keep firewood and debris away from your house. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in likely hiding spots, use essential oils as a repellent, and be ready with a vacuum if a few get inside.

With these steps, you’ll cut down on swarms, keep your living spaces fresh, and enjoy a pest-free winter.

Source: https://www.offthegridnews.com/how-to/your-fall-survival-guide-to-ladybugs-box-elder-bugs-and-asian-beetles/