Fall is such a beautiful time in the South—the crisp air, colorful leaves, and football games make it a favorite season for many. But along with the pumpkin spice comes some unwanted guests: fall invaders. These pests don’t just stay outside—they love to find their way into homes and commercial spaces.
At Waynes Pest Control, we want to help you identify a few of the most common fall invaders and our best pest control tips for keeping them out.
Common Fall Pest Invaders in Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi & the Florida Panhandle
Asian Lady Beetle Control
Asian lady beetles are often confused with ladybugs, but they’re slightly larger—about ⅓ of an inch long. Their colors range from orange to red, with around 20 black spots on their wing covers. While they don’t damage structures or spread disease, they invade homes in large numbers and leave behind a sticky orange residue. If handled, they may even pinch.
How to Prevent Asian Lady Beetle Infestations
- Seal cracks and holes around windows, doors, and siding
- Use light traps to lure them away from your living spaces
- Vacuum them up
Stink Bug Control
Stink bugs are easy to recognize by their unique shield-like shape. They are about ⅓ of an inch long and are grayish-brown in color. While their folded wings may not be obvious at first glance, you’ll definitely notice their defense mechanism: when threatened, they release a strong odor.
Stink Bug Prevention Tips:
- Seal entry points like cracks and gaps
- Keep windows and doors shut when not in use
- Repair or replace torn screens
- Switch outdoor lighting to yellow bulbs (less attractive to stink bugs)
- Vacuum up any that make it inside
Boxelder Bug Control
Boxelder bugs are about ½ an inch long, blackish-gray with bright red markings on their backs, and have bodies pointed at both ends. Outdoors, they feed on sap from boxelder, maple, and ash trees. While they don’t bite, they gather in large numbers and quickly become a nuisance once inside.
Boxelder Bug Prevention Tips:
- Clear away debris and leaves near your foundation
- Keep your lawn weed-free and rake regularly
- Sweep up boxelder tree seeds
- Wash them away with a strong stream of water outside
- Vacuum them up indoors
Need Expert Fall Invader Pest Control Services? Call Waynes!
If DIY methods aren’t effective—or you simply don’t have the time—our Fall Invader Service is an option to help you to keep these pests out for good. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 866-929-6371 today.
