When days shorten and nights cool, insects begin clustering on the outside of homes. The University of Kentucky notes that Asian lady beetles, face flies, spiders, stink bugs and boxelder bugs are common fall invaders in Kentuckyexclusives.ca.uky.edu. These pests are accidental intruders rather than true household pests, so they rarely reproduce indoors and are mainly a nuisanceexclusives.ca.uky.edu. Stink bugs can emit an unpleasant odor when crushed, and both ladybugs and stink bugs may leave stains if smashedexclusives.ca.uky.edu—vacuum them instead.
Why They Invade
- Seek warmth and shelter: Many insects and spiders crawl or fly indoors in response to extended rain, drought or cooler temperaturesentomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Accidental invaders: Most overwintering insects congregate on sunny walls in autumn and enter through cracks and gaps; once inside they do not multiplyexclusives.ca.uky.edu.
Common Fall Invaders
- Asian lady beetles and face flies: These insects often cluster on exterior walls as days get cooler and may find their way insideexclusives.ca.uky.edu.
- Stink bugs: Stink bugs overwinter in homes and are active from spring through fall; they release a foul odor if disturbedexclusives.ca.uky.edu.
- Spiders: Spiders seen in fall are often seeking mates; they may build webs near lights and windows.
- Boxelder bugs: If you live near water or boxelder trees, these red‑and‑black bugs may congregate on wallsexclusives.ca.uky.edu.
Prevention Tips
Keep overwintering pests out by combining exclusion and sanitation. The University of Kentucky’s pest‑proofing guide recommends:
- Install door sweeps and thresholds: Even 1/16‑inch gaps under exterior doors permit entry of insects; use rubber bottom seals on garage doors and weatherstripping on sliding doorsentomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Seal utility openings: Plug gaps where pipes, cables and vents penetrate the foundation using caulk, foam, cement or steel wool to block ants, spiders and other pestsentomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Caulk cracks around windows and doors: Apply quality silicone or acrylic caulk to seal gaps in windows, doors and fascia boardsentomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Repair screens: Fix tears in window and door screens to prevent flies, gnats, mosquitoes and overwintering pests from enteringentomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Sanitation: Inside the home, remove spilled foods promptly, dispose of garbage quickly and vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture frequentlypublications.ca.uky.edu. Do not store firewood indoors or stack it against the foundationpublications.ca.uky.edu.
- Close doors and windows: Keep doors and windows closed, and ensure screens are intact to stop flying insectspublications.ca.uky.edu.
- Eliminate moisture: Fix leaky faucets, unclog gutters and improve drainage around the foundation to deter moisture‑loving pestspublications.ca.uky.edu.
By sealing entry points and maintaining sanitation, you can greatly reduce the number of fall invaders. If occasional bugs slip through, use a vacuum or broom rather than smashing them to avoid odors and stainsexclusives.ca.uky.edu. For seasonal pest‑proofing or professional treatments in Louisville, reach out to the experts at Rise Pest Pros.
