Understanding Winter Bugs in Massachusetts and How to Keep Them Out

Wintertime in Massachusetts is a beautiful change of pace; in fact, it’s so striking that many people come from out of state to take in the frosty views. Yet for those who live here, the joy of winter can be tempered by something less pleasant: bugs. Winter bugs often invade homes in the colder months, seeking shelter, food, and warmth.

These infestations are annoying at best and actively harmful at worst. The good news is that living alongside bugs in the winter is not mandatory. In fact, with a few smart strategies, it is possible to keep these insects out for the long term.

Here are some recommendations for keeping winter bugs out of your Massachusetts home according to which bugs you are dealing with.

The Main Winter Bugs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to many types of insects; many estimate this number to be well over 1,000 species. That is a lot of potential for home infestation! Thankfully, a large number of these bugs have no interest in coming inside. The ones that do are most commonly:

• Roaches: Cockroaches and other arthropods prefer to come inside during the winter and can be identified by their shiny bodies that range from light brown to reddish brown, depending on the type. Some may even resemble crickets without the large back legs. Both males and females may have wings, or they may appear to have a shelled body.
• Bed bugs: These tough invaders can be hard to eliminate once they appear. Commonly found in a mattress’s tight seams and nooks, bed bugs may leave small welts or even tiny blood spots on sheets to indicate their presence.
• Spiders: Dozens of potential spider types may make their way inside a Massachusetts home during the winter. Most simply spin cobwebs, but others, such as black widows and brown recluses, pose a more significant danger. Look for webs in nooks and corners high in a room, as well as in dark, sheltered areas where there is little movement.
• Stinkbugs: The stinkbug is a brownish-gray insect whose shape resembles a shield. These slow-moving bugs can fly, much to the chagrin of many people who discover this when trying to get rid of them. They are commonly found on walls and can cling to flat vertical surfaces.
• Termites: Hidden invaders such as termites enter Massachusetts homes during the winter to escape the weather. The only signs a homeowner may notice are holes or pathways chewed into wooden parts of the home’s exterior.

How to Stop These Invaders

While the winter weather drives bugs indoors, homeowners do not have to tolerate their presence. The best strategies for keeping them out will depend on the species causing the most trouble.

• Roaches: Roaches love dark places and tend to congregate in areas where food is plentiful. Store consumables in glass containers and keep rooms clean, not just from food debris, but from clutter in which the roaches can hide. Applying a thin line of diatomaceous earth along the edges of a room can cut down on roach numbers.
• Bed bugs: Once bed bugs gain a foothold in a home, getting rid of them can be a chore. Be sure to completely remove any sheets and bag them before removing them from the house. Steam clean mattresses and other furniture, and then seal them with covers specifically made to trap bedbugs inside until they die.
• Spiders: Many spiders spin webs that can become an annoyance. Remove their food sources by tackling other pest problems, such as fruit flies, that get trapped in their webs. Regularly dust and brush the corners and less commonly disturbed places in a room.
• Stinkbugs: Stinkbugs tend not to congregate in numbers, but they are a highly undesirable pest due to their odor when disturbed or crushed. Examine the outside of the home for potential entry points to identify how they are getting in, seal them, and remove any inside the home gently to avoid triggering their smell.
• Termites: Getting rid of termites can be a herculean task best left to the professionals. It often requires using liquid barriers and other methods to suffocate the termites inside the wood while preventing others from entering.

Get Help From Pest Control Professionals

No one wants to see bugs in their home, and wintertime can be especially problematic because you spend a lot more time indoors with them. The good news is that even if you think you have an infestation, help is available. The professionals at Spartan Animal & Pest Control can help you overcome any pest challenges to keep your home welcoming and comfortable. Contact Spartan to schedule a visit!