Don’t put off creating a pest management plan to implement this fall. September through November is the best time to take pest control measures in Indiana. Follow these tips to avoid nuisance pests this winter so you can cozy up in your own home in comfort.  

Familiarize yourself with Indiana fall pests

The best offense is a good defense. You can prepare yourself to take accurate pest control measures when you understand more about the pests you’re trying to keep out of your house. During fall, some of the usual pest suspects in Indiana include: 

• Brown marmorated stink bugs: These shield-shaped bugs seek shelter each winter. While they don’t cause damage to a home, they can produce an odor and be a persistent annoyance.   

• Asian lady beetles: These differ from the lady beetles (or ladybugs) that are native to Indiana. The Asian lady beetle seeks warmer temperatures and will enter your home to find that warmth. You may notice these pests gathering in sunny areas outside your home waiting for an opportunity to slip indoors. 

• Boxelder bugs: These pests also like to gather on structures that are warmed by the sun during the final days of fall. In addition to boxelder trees, they lay eggs on the bark of ash, maple, peach, cherry and other trees. They don’t harm structures, but they can be frustrating to deal with if they enter the home.  

• House mice: These pests also move into houses during winter to seek refuge from the cold. They typically enter through small cracks and openings. A mouse can fit through openings as small as a quarter-inch. They can cause structural damage and pose health risks, so make sure you keep mice out of your home!  

There are several more critters you should have on your radar, many of the prevention tactics apply to a variety of pests. If you need help identifying additional Indiana pests, consult the Purdue Extension Indiana 4-H Entomology Insect Flashcards guide.  

Fall pest control tactics

The most effective pest control plan starts with a strategy to keep pests outside. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips for keeping mice and other pests out of houses.   

• Inspect your home's exterior to locate gaps and cracks. Pay attention to the foundation, utility lines, windows, doors, and areas between siding and trim. If you find gaps and cracks, seal them to prevent entry. 

• Add door sweeps to exterior doors and weather-stripping to garage doors. 

• Repair torn window screens to help keep flying pests out of the home. 

• Keep wood piles at least 100 feet away from your home.  

• Store food in sealed containers and clean up spilled food immediately. 

• Don’t leave pet food and water out overnight.  

How to handle pests inside the house

If pests do find their way inside, make sure you handle their removal appropriately. Here are some tips to keep in mind. 

• Don’t crush or try to kill stink bugs, Asian lady beetles or boxelder bugs because they could cause staining or odors in your home. Instead, sweep them up or use a vacuum to collect and remove them. 

• If mice enter your home, consider using traps where you see signs of mice (droppings, gnaw marks, etc.). Also, inspect your house again for points of entry.