Noticing more ladybugs, stinkbugs, and others? Here's why

ST. LOUIS - "It's been a good year for the bugs," Jay Everitt with Rottler Pest Solutions said when discussing the lingering insects many residents have been seeing recently.

If you've been seeing an unusual amount of ladybugs, stink bugs, or other small insects bunched together in crevices of you're home, you're not alone. At Rottler, these bugs are referred to as the "occasional invaders."

"They're typically an agricultural pest during the summer, but they turn into a nuisance pest in the fall and winter, when they're going to find their place for over winter," Everitt said. "So on days like today (Tuesday) when it's almost 70 degrees, they're very active. Then in the evenings, when it cools off, it stimulates them to go seek out those hiding spots."

Typically, the pests will stay in warm areas. This includes where the heat may escape homes, such as window sills, attics, or anywhere else they can reach. Everitt says the insects' spots typically are on the side of the house that gets the most sunlight.

With the temperatures expected to significantly cool down in the near future, this could aid in defeating many of the bugs from reaching your home.

"(The cold) will slow them down a whole bunch—if not, even control them—if they don't make it into that place to stay over winter; they may not survive it," Everitt said. "But it's going to take a couple of hard freezes to really, really slow them down."

So, if you keep stumbling across a number of pests inside your home, what can you do to minimize the issue?

Everitt first recommended using a vacuum, or even a tissue, to clear a small amount of them. However, it is encouraged to empty the vacuum the more insects you get, as a large number can create an odor.

Residents should ensure their window screens are intact, leaving no room for bugs to make their way in. Additionally, placing caulk along any cracks or crevices can help prevent any entry from unwanted visitors.

Pesticides are the next best solution to combating the larger-scale invasions of bugs.

"It would be good for homeowners if we go from 70 degrees to 30 degrees and they don't find that place to live—in turn, the temperature will control them. We're really at the mercy of Mother Nature here," Everitt said.

Note: This video is from November 2023.