As Michigan cools, homeowners prep for winter. It’s also when pests try to move inside.
A professional fall pest exclusion in Michigan helps keep your home protected. From Kalamazoo to Lansing, stink bugs, cluster flies, and multicolored Asian lady beetles look for warm spots in walls, attics, and basements.
When the first frost hits, pests don’t wander; they squeeze through cracks, soffit gaps, and worn weather-stripping to settle in for winter.
By scheduling an exclusion inspection in the fall, you stop them before they move in. With decades of experience, Pest Pros of Michigan knows how to find and seal entry points that most homeowners overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Fall is the best season for pest exclusion in Michigan because pests rush indoors before winter.
- Common fall pests include stink bugs, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and multicolored Asian lady beetles.
- Typical entry points include crawl spaces, soffits, rooflines, windows, doors, and basements.
- Professional inspections and sealing outperform DIY fixes.
Why Fall Is Prime Season for Exclusion
A fall pest exclusion inspection is crucial because pests look hardest for shelter in late summer and early fall. As temperatures drop, overwintering insects, such as brown marmorated stink bugs, western conifer seed bugs, and boxelder bugs, gather on sunny walls, then slip indoors through tiny gaps.
In spring and summer, pests stay outside. In the fall, they focus on getting in, so it’s the best window for prevention.
An inspection now keeps pests from settling in crawl spaces, attics, or wall voids where they can hide until spring. If you wait until winter, you may find droppings, dead insects, or live infestations that are harder to control.
Common Fall Pests in Michigan
Fall pests in Michigan include more than stink bugs. Boxelder bugs cluster on homes, especially near boxelder trees. Multicolored Asian lady beetles often invade living rooms and bedrooms and are easy to mistake for native ladybugs.
The brown marmorated stink bug not only emits an unpleasant odor but also damages crops across Michigan. Cluster flies and western conifer seed bugs are also frequent invaders, buzzing in windows or hiding behind curtains.
These pests can survive winter indoors. They don’t damage wood like termites, but they create real hassles. In spring, you may see stains on walls, buzzing at windows, or piles of dead insects on sills.
Entry Points That Allow Pests Inside
Even a pencil-thin crack lets pests in. During a fall exclusion inspection, professionals check gaps around windows and doors, loose soffits, unsealed crawl spaces, and worn-out door sweeps. In Michigan, older homes often shift, opening new cracks near basements.
Homeowners may try DIY fixes with caulk or weather stripping, but most pests exploit multiple entry points. A professional inspection identifies and seals every access point. Technicians also check for signs of past issues, such as droppings or dead insects, near hidden spaces.
Benefits of Professional Exclusion Over DIY
Some homeowners think sealing entry points is a quick DIY project. While caulking windows or adding door sweeps helps, pests often find less obvious gaps that aren’t easy to reach. Crawl spaces, rooflines, and attic vents typically require specialized tools and training.
Pest Pros of Michigan pairs sealing with targeted treatments and uses exclusion-grade materials built for Michigan winters. Professional service also includes a warranty, which DIY work can’t match.
Regional Considerations: Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Beyond
Michigan’s climate drives pest activity. In Lansing, older homes and tree-lined streets attract boxelder bugs and lady beetles. In Ann Arbor, wooded areas push pests to basements and attics as temperatures drop.
Homeowners in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids also face an increase in wasps becoming aggressive during late summer, just before winter die-off. A fall inspection reduces the risk of stumbling across hidden wasp nests in spring.
Pest Prevention Tips for Michigan Homes
Fall pest exclusion is the most effective strategy, but homeowners can take steps year-round. Store pet food in airtight containers so you don’t attract rodents.
Fix worn weather-stripping on doors and windows before late summer ends. Caulk cracks and check soffits for loose areas. Keep crawl spaces dry and uncluttered, as moisture can attract pests.
Even with these steps, a professional home inspection catches issues you might miss and helps keep pests out. Pest Pros of Michigan offers pest control services tailored to seasonal infestations and helps keep homes pest-free all year.
Making the Right Choice for Pest Exclusion in Michigan
Pest Pros of Michigan provides lasting protection with exclusion materials and treatments built for Michigan’s climate. Our focus is on identifying and sealing hidden entry points to keep your home secure throughout the winter.
Contact us today to schedule your fall pest exclusion inspection.
FAQs
What pests should I worry about in Michigan during the fall?
Fall pests in Michigan include stink bugs, boxelder bugs, multicolored Asian lady beetles, cluster flies, and western conifer seed bugs. These insects try to overwinter inside homes.
Can I handle pest exclusion on my own?
DIY exclusion with caulk and door sweeps helps, but pests often exploit hidden crevices. A professional exterminator inspects crawl spaces, soffits, and rooflines to seal every entry point.
How often should I schedule pest exclusion inspections?
Schedule one inspection each fall. If your home has recurring problems or structural issues, add year-round pest management.
