Occasional Invader Identification
Understanding Occasional Invaders: What You Need to Know
Occasional invaders are insects that move inside, not to create nests or reproduce, but to escape unsuitable weather or while foraging for food. These insects also tend to live in our outdoor spaces near our structures and sometimes just accidentally wind up inside with us.
Beetles, crickets, earwigs, and mites are all examples of occasional invaders and pests that sporadically enter homes and businesses during periods of the year when they become uncomfortable outside. Things that make occasional invaders want to look for better real estate include cold weather, hot weather, lack of food, or a lack of moisture.
Are Occasional Invaders a Threat to Your Home?
Mainly viewed as nuisance pests, occasional invaders don’t usually cause us any significant problems or put us in any danger. Beetles, crickets, earwigs, and mites don’t cause structural damage, aren’t known for transmitting diseases to people, and for the most part, don’t bite or sting.
If occasional invaders have found an opening into your home, it means other pests will as well. The more pests you have moving in and out of your home, the more serious problems you will encounter. Some insects are dangerous to your family, and others damage the structure of your home.
How Seasonal Changes in San Diego County Impact Occasional Invaders
San Diego County’s diverse climate provides a perfect setting for occasional invaders like beetles, crickets, earwigs, and mites to thrive. With our region experiencing warm, dry summers and cooler, wet winters, these pests often move indoors to escape extreme conditions.
These seasonal shifts lead to a common pain point for many locals — dealing with pests that disrupt their homes’ comfort. Crickets’ nightly chirping, especially in coastal areas like La Jolla, can interrupt a good night’s sleep. Meanwhile, earwigs and beetles may find their way into garages or kitchens, leaving homeowners frustrated and uncomfortable in their own space. This is where identifying and addressing pests promptly becomes essential to maintaining your peace of mind.
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health serves as a vital resource, providing local residents with information on pest management and prevention. While the department helps educate the community on safe practices for controlling insects, it doesn’t eliminate pests for you. This makes regular pest control treatments and home inspections a valuable investment for families across the county.
By understanding the unique environmental factors and pest behaviors specific to San Diego, a professional pest control service can help resolve these issues effectively. Whether you live in the coastal zone, the inland valleys, or the mountains, addressing occasional invaders early and keeping your home sealed is key to avoiding more persistent pest problems in the future.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the signs of a cricket infestation in my home?
Crickets can be identified by their distinctive chirping sounds, especially during the evening. If you notice these sounds, it may indicate that crickets have entered your home. Additionally, you might find small droppings or see them hopping around in dark, damp areas like basements or kitchens. Inspecting your home for these signs can help you determine if crickets are present. If you suspect an infestation, it's essential to address it promptly to prevent other pests from following suit.
What should I do if I find a large number of occasional invaders indoors?
If you find an unusually large number of occasional invaders inside your home, it's likely they’ve entered in search of moisture, food, or shelter. Start by sealing any gaps or cracks around your home and addressing any humidity issues. You may also want to contact a pest control expert for a thorough inspection and treatment if necessary.
Why Do I Have an Occasional Invader Problem?
Most occasional invaders live outside in areas high in moisture. They will search for somewhere else to live when it becomes too dry outside for them to live comfortably. These pests live in our gardens, flower beds, and under decks, woodpiles, trash cans, and compost piles, therefore, it is easy for them to access our homes and businesses while searching for moisture and food, or shelter from extreme weather conditions. They move along foundation walls or up the exterior of our homes until they find a crack or other opening they can crawl through.
Where Will I Find Occasional Invaders?
After moving inside, occasional invaders move to dark, secluded areas that meet their moisture needs and keep them hidden. Crawl spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and utility rooms are places you find occasional invaders. Some favorite hideouts include the following:
- Cardboard boxes
- Areas around sinks and drains
- Behind walls
- Cabinets under sinks
- Closets
- Folded bedding or towels
When pests invade your home or business, you don’t need empty promises; you need proven results. At Allswell, we train our technicians to meet the highest standards set forth by the Pest Licensing Board so that you receive the service you need. We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which leaves you with nothing to worry about and a pest-free home or business to enjoy.
How Do I Get Rid of Occasional Invaders?
To protect your yard and home from pesky occasional invaders, turn to the San Diego County, CA area pest control experts at Allswell. Our experts will work closely with you to control and eliminate occasional invaders through Integrated Pest Management and other advanced pest control methods.
At Allswell, we have the experience and knowledge needed to accurately identify and solve problems with a wide variety of pests. If you want to discover how our residential or commercial pest control services will protect your Southern California property from occasional invaders, reach out to us today!
How Can I Prevent Occasional Invaders in the Future?
Prevent problems with occasional invaders by implementing proven solutions through our effective pest control services. Also, use the following tips to prevent issues with occasional invaders in your San Diego yard and home:
- Remove debris from your yard that occasional invaders can hide under, such as fallen trees, tree branches, piles of leaves, and woodpiles.
- Store trash cans and compost bins up off the ground; many insects like to hide in the damp soil trapped underneath them.
- Dripping pipes and dense vegetation next to your home’s exterior can lead to water buildup, providing the moisture many occasional invaders seek. Repair leaking pipes and cut back shrubbery from your exterior walls.
- Inspect your home’s exterior and seal and repair any openings discovered in the foundation, exterior walls, and spaces around windows and doors.
- Seal spaces around wires, pipes, and other utilities entering your home. Doing so will prevent occasional invaders from using them as a highway.
- Reduce humidity levels inside your house by using dehumidifiers.
- Replace traditional white bulbs with LED lights or yellow light bulbs that are less attractive to insects. It may also be helpful to place exterior lights on a timer or use a motion detector to keep exterior lights off when not needed.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
