How To Send Winter Pests Packing
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October 18, 2018
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Six-legged pests want to share your warm home this winter.
University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall tells how to send crawling freeloaders packing.
These unwelcome visitors are mostly a lethargic nuisance. They do not bite, suck blood or spread disease. They like nice, dry spots, usually between your home’s walls. They go dormant and sleep throughout most of the winter. Occasionally, however, these wayward bugs become social and decide to hang out in the living area of your home. If that happens, remember the not-so-Emily-Post rule of thumb for hosts: Guests, like fish, start to stink after three days. Throw them out.
Insecticides and pesticides are likely ineffective. For best results, give them the boot by manually removing them. The vacuum cleaner is your ally in evicting these invaders.
Look for them on the sunny side of your home. They like heat that reflects off light-colored siding and glass. They like windowsills, door thresholds and other entry points. Caulking keeps them out and keeps the heat in. Put out the “no vacancy” sign by putting screens on doors, windows and vents.
University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Tamra Reall tells how to send crawling freeloaders packing.
These unwelcome visitors are mostly a lethargic nuisance. They do not bite, suck blood or spread disease. They like nice, dry spots, usually between your home’s walls. They go dormant and sleep throughout most of the winter. Occasionally, however, these wayward bugs become social and decide to hang out in the living area of your home. If that happens, remember the not-so-Emily-Post rule of thumb for hosts: Guests, like fish, start to stink after three days. Throw them out.
Insecticides and pesticides are likely ineffective. For best results, give them the boot by manually removing them. The vacuum cleaner is your ally in evicting these invaders.
Look for them on the sunny side of your home. They like heat that reflects off light-colored siding and glass. They like windowsills, door thresholds and other entry points. Caulking keeps them out and keeps the heat in. Put out the “no vacancy” sign by putting screens on doors, windows and vents.