Spring Weather Can Begin Insect Pressure In Homes

The return of spring can also bring the return of insect infestations, also known as insect pressure, in your home.

Putnam County Extension Agent Wayne Key said that insect pressure is whenever an influx of insects enter a space we don’t want them and they become a nuisance. He said that the most common in the Upper Cumberland are brown stinkbugs and Asian lady beetles, not to be confused with ladybugs.

“They are a beneficial insect, but to homeowners, they can definitely be a problem,” Key said. “They’ll enter through the crawlspace, around windows, around doors. They really like light areas that face to the south, to the west where the sun gets on the areas of the house where they get really warm.”

Key said there are several things homeowners can do to slow down a potential infestation. He said that the best prevention methods are to weatherstrip, check for cracks around windows or doors, or use perimeter sprays.

Key said to get rid of the bugs in your home, you should vacuum them up and throw away the contents immediately, and do not squish them. He said that if you have a major issue, you should contact your local pest control personnel to spray in and around the home.

Key said that he cautions those who want to use pesticides to treat the issue. He said if you do, the most important thing is to read the product’s label.

“I’ve heard some horror stories of people coming up with their own natural, organic mix,” Key said. “And it involves some chemicals that are toxic and it’ll stain concrete, or it’ll stain the vinyl.”