As the crisp fall air sweeps across central Michigan, homeowners from St. Johns to Jackson and Ionia to Howell often encounter an unwelcome surprise. Boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles—known as “fall invaders”—begin their annual quest for warmth, clustering on homes and sneaking inside through cracks and crevices. While these pests don’t damage structures or threaten health, they can be a major annoyance for residents in Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, Leslie, Portland, Williamston, Webberville, and beyond.
At Stewart Pest Solutions, we know how frustrating these seasonal intruders can be. With years of experience serving central Michigan, we’re your trusted experts in keeping your home pest-free. Read on to learn why these pests invade, their life cycles, and how we can protect your property.
Why Do These Pests Invade Homes?
In the fall, boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles instinctively seek warm, sheltered spots to survive the winter. They often gather on the sunny sides of buildings—especially those with light-colored exteriors—before slipping inside through:
- Cracks around windows and doors
- Gaps in siding or vents
- Chimneys and other hard-to-treat areas
Once indoors, they hide in attics, wall voids, or basements. However, they’re attracted to light sources like windows, ceiling fans, or bathroom vents, which is why you might spot them in your living spaces. This behavior is a common challenge for homes in Lansing, East Lansing, Delta Township, Okemos, and surrounding areas—but it’s a challenge we’re ready to tackle.
Life Cycles and Interesting Facts About Each Species
Boxelder Bugs (Boisea trivittata)
- Life Cycle:
- Spring: Females lay eggs on host trees like boxelder, maple, and ash.
- Summer: Nymphs hatch, feed on tree seeds, and mature into adults by late summer.
- Fall: Adults seek shelter in homes and buildings to overwinter.
- Winter: They stay dormant in hidden spots until spring, when they emerge to reproduce.
- Interesting Fact: Boxelder bugs can fly up to 2 miles to find shelter, making them tough to stop once they’re on the move.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (Halyomorpha halys)
- Life Cycle:
- Spring: Adults emerge from overwintering sites, mate, and lay eggs on host plants.
- Summer: Nymphs hatch, progress through five stages, and feed on fruits and crops.
- Fall: Adults search for buildings to overwinter.
- Winter: They remain dormant until warmer weather returns.
- Interesting Fact: When disturbed or crushed, these stink bugs release a strong, cilantro-like smell as a defense.
Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis)
- Life Cycle:
- Spring: Adults emerge from overwintering sites, mate, and lay eggs on plants.
- Summer: Larvae hatch, eat aphids, and eventually become adults.
- Fall: Adults seek shelter in buildings to overwinter.
- Winter: They stay dormant in protected areas until spring.
- Interesting Fact: Introduced to North America to control aphids, Asian lady beetles have become invasive, often outcompeting native ladybugs.
Treating and Preventing Fall Invaders
Preventing fall invaders is easier than removing them once they’re inside. Here’s how you can protect your home:
- Exterior Treatments: Fall is the perfect time for professional treatments, as pests gather on your home’s exterior. At Stewart Pest Solutions, we apply targeted solutions to stop them before they enter.
- Physical Barriers: Seal cracks, gaps, and entry points with caulk—especially helpful for older homes in places like East Lansing or Delta Township.
- Spring Treatments: As pests emerge in spring, a follow-up treatment prevents them from breeding near your property.
While some may still slip through areas like chimneys, proactive steps drastically reduce the issue. Our team knows how to handle even the trickiest entry points.
How Stewart Pest Solutions Can Help
At Stewart Pest Solutions, we’re experts in managing fall invaders like boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, and Asian lady beetles. Serving central Michigan—including Lansing, St. Johns, Jackson, Ionia, Howell, Mason, Leslie, Portland, Williamston, Webberville, East Lansing, Delta Township, and Okemos—we provide:
- Customized Service Plans: Proactive fall and spring treatments to prevent infestations.
- Expert Technicians: We identify and seal entry points for lasting protection.
- Local Knowledge: With deep experience in Michigan’s climate and pest patterns, we deliver solutions tailored to your needs.
Our commitment to customer satisfaction sets us apart. Whether you’re facing an active infestation or want to stay ahead of the problem, we’re here to keep your home pest-free.
Don’t Let Fall Invaders Take Over
Take control of your home this fall with Stewart Pest Solutions. Serving homeowners across central Michigan, we’re your local partner for effective, reliable pest control.
Contact us today for a consultation and enjoy a pest-free home all year long.
Service Areas
We proudly serve these central Michigan communities:
- St. Johns, Michigan
- Lansing, Michigan
- East Lansing, Michigan
- Mason, Michigan
- Leslie, Michigan
- Jackson, Michigan
- Ionia, Michigan
- Portland, Michigan
- Williamston, Michigan
- Webberville, Michigan
- Howell, Michigan
- Delta Township, Michigan
- Okemos, Michigan
Company Information
Stewart Pest Solutions
Your Trusted Partner for Pest Control in Central Michigan
- Phone: 517-525-4753
- Service Areas: Lansing, St. Johns, Jackson, Ionia, Howell, Mason, Leslie, Portland, Williamston, Webberville, East Lansing, Delta Township, Okemos, and surrounding areas.