In the News - November 2008
Insects heading inside? Don’t make bug spray the first move
DARDANELLE, Ark. - Bug spray shouldn’t be the automatic first response when
insects seek the warmth of your home as cooler temperatures dominate outdoors,
says Van Banks, Yell County extension agent for the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
"It can be annoying when beetles, box elder bugs, crickets, stinkbugs,
spiders or any of the various other million or so different insect pests invade
your home this time of year in an attempt to escape the cold weather outside,"
he said. "The first thing most people think of when trying to prevent an insect
problem is, ‘What insecticide do I spray?’"
"There are other things that should be done first that will help prevent the
pest problems and may even eliminate the need for an insecticide application,"
he said.
Insect proofing your home is the best way to prevent unwanted pest invasions
this time of year. There are some pest-proofing steps to follow to stop these
invaders. First, try to eliminate entrances used by pests.
Other actions to consider are:
- Inspect and repair all caulking
- Inspect and repair all weather stripping
- Repair all screens
- Repair loose siding; and
- Use residual insecticides around the foundation of the home.
Try to eliminate areas that can harbor insects inside the home - those
"places where insects can rest and hang out or find food and moisture," Banks
said.
These actions include:
- Seal indoor cracks and crevices
- Eliminate leaks and moisture
- Store food properly; and
- Keep lids on garbage cans.
If the listed maintenance and sanitation guidelines are carried out, pests
will be discouraged or prevented from invading in the first place.
However, if nuisance pests do get inside in large numbers, "they can be
vacuumed up and the vacuum cleaner bag can be discarded outside," he said. "You
can also line the vacuum cleaner hose with a stocking, and insects will be
conveniently bagged."
Banks said that when insects are present in high numbers, no insecticide is
recommended.
"Many insects will die in inaccessible places, making clean up impossible,
and these dead insects will serve as a food source for other pest insects like
carpet beetles or other beetles," he said.
If insects are present in low numbers, sweep them into a dustpan and remove
by hand.
Homeowners may also wish to use over-the-counter residual insecticides
labeled for crevice and/or surface treatment.
To learn more about insect-proofing the home, contact your county extension
office, or visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
November 21, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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