‘Insect alert:’ Experts warn trio of bugs could soon ‘flood’ Ohio homes

Experts have issued a notice that a trio of unwanted guests could soon “flood” Ohio homes as colder temperatures arrive.

Local experts have begun receiving reports of bugs invading homes, and changing weather conditions could turn that “trickle” of insects into a “flood,” according to an article written by Joe Boggs, an Ohio State University assistant professor of entomology.

As temperatures drop, bugs begin to seek shelter from the cold, rain and snow. Insects that invade homes are attracted to the solar heat radiating from roofs and outside walls, which can lead them into attics and through cracks between doors and windows.

Ohio State University Extension, a non-formal educational resource, posted a “fall insect alert” on its Facebook page last week, warning residents homeowners may soon encounter the following bugs in their home.

Boxelder bugs

Boxelder bugs have a flat back and are dark gray, brown or black, with orange or red markings. The bug got its name due to its affinity for female boxelder trees, where it likes to gather in large numbers.

The insect is considered harmless, as they do not cause damage to buildings, clothing, food or humans. They are not dangerous for pets but might make them feel sick or vomit, according to EcoCare Pest Control.  The insect does emit a foul odor when crushed or disturbed and may leave fecal stains on walls or curtains.

During the fall, the bug is attracted to buildings and occasionally to night-lights. They may fly through open doors or windows, but most commonly enter structures through cracks and crevices around doors and windows. Along with trees, the bugs are known to cluster on buildings in large numbers, according to OSU.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles

One of the most notorious fall home invaders is the Asian lady beetle. The insect is often mistaken for a native ladybug, but can be distinguished by the appearance of a black M-shaped spot on the top of its body.

Asian lady beetles also can vary in color from tan to orange to red. They often have several black spots on their bodies, although some beetles may have none. Native ladybugs are always red and always have black spots.

When the beetle is disturbed, they defend themselves by exuding their blood: a yellow-to-orange fluid with a foul odor. The liquid can permanently stain walls and carpeting. While the beetle may bite, it is rare and they are not capable of breaking skin or spreading disease. The insect can cause damage to pets if eaten in large numbers, as the blood secretions can irritate the mouth or stomach ulcers in extreme cases, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Lady beetles are generally beneficial predators that consume numerous pests that injure plants commonly found in gardens, according to OSU. However, they can be seasonal pests, particularly in the fall and early spring – in Ohio, the beetle typically begins looking for a site to spend the winter in mid to late October.  When one lady beetle lands, many others follow.

The nonnative species sometimes mistake outside walls of buildings for rock cliffs. It is a common misconception that the beetle invades buildings in the fall to stay warm in the winter. On the contrary, beetles that accidentally make their way into heated structures are doomed, since high temperatures accelerate their metabolism which causes them to rapidly burn through fat and starve to death. This is a reason why large numbers of dead beetles are often found inside homes, according to Boggs.

“The confused and disoriented accidental invaders fly around inside structures finding their way into food and drinks, alighting on hands, arms, and other parts of the body, sometimes entering ears and mouth,” Boggs wrote.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Another common fall home invader is the brown marmorated stink bug. The bug is brown and shield-shaped, with two antennas with alternating light and dark bands.

The insect does not bite people or pets and is not known to transmit diseases, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, along with damaging a variety of crops, the bug can produce an offensive odor when threatened or crushed.

In extreme cases, hundreds of stink bugs can invade a home. They enter through small openings, mostly around windows, chimneys and air conditioner units, according to OSU. While stink bugs are not poisonous to pets, they can upset their stomachs, resulting in vomiting or drooling.

“The bugs can become a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers inside and outside of buildings, where they can startle people by flying around, bumping into walls, and landing on lamps, TVs, and computer screens,” Boggs stated.

Both stink bugs and lady beetles have been somewhat quiet in recent years, but there is no predicting when outbreaks — which are usually highly localized — will occur, according to Boggs.

How to avoid a bug invasion

The most effective way for homeowners to avoid bugs entering their homes is to seal openings that allow invaders to sneak in. Openings created by the decay of old caulking or door jambs provide easy access for bugs. Open spaces surrounding doors or windows should be sealed using caulk or insulating foam sealants for large openings, according to Boggs’ article.

Additionally, ripped window screens and damaged door sweeps should be replaced. Homeowners should also inspect their home to repair unprotected vents.

While these preventative measures may cost money, they help keep heating and air-conditioning in, reducing home energy bills. While stink bug traps can be made or purchased, there are no effective traps for boxelder bugs or lady beetles, Boggs stated.