What Michigan Pest Is Sneaking Into My House For The Winter Now?
Dear Bugs In Michigan:
Could you just KNOCK IT OFF this fall?
When did these bugs start showing up?
I swear if one more insect tries to stow away in my house for the winter I'M GONNA SCREAM.
The mosquitoes are done for the season.
I've already got my fill of spiders doing their thing in the basement.
These clowns are always a pest and we've talked about them before.
Unfortunately, according to Michigan State University Integrated Pest Management, "At the end of the summer and into the fall, you may start to find brown marmorated stink bugs appearing in homes and other buildings. They are looking for a protected place to spend the winter."
Read More: Time Again for This Creepy Critter to Descend Upon MI Homes
Now I've got some new friends trying to come inside for the winter. Amazingly enough, I've never really had to deal with them before. As soon as I started to describe them to my friend though, she knew exactly what I was talking about.
"You've got Boxelder bugs buddy".
Box what now?
Boxelder bug - not a threat but definitely a nuisance.
- They don't bite or sting.
- They don't carry diseases or get you sick.
- They won't cause damage to your house or plants
- They do apparently leave behind a pungent smell if you squish them (or from their droppings).
- They will also stain your floors and walls if you smash them. (NPIC)
Basically a nuisance. I like to think of them a stink bugs lite.
Not looking for any new bug friends?
There are plenty of remedies and most of them involve a shop vac if these suckers make it into your house.
Find tips on how to control your Boxelder problem here.
If you're not in the reading mood, you can watch these handy videos below. If you're going to attempt a DIY solution that involves insecticides and bug sprays, please follow all safety precautions or consider calling a professional.
Please don't kill or hurt yourself trying to get rid of a bug that's more annoying than a threat.
No need to take it to this level.