What Will Fall Bring for Michigan’s Bugs?
Image via Flickr by john.anes
Fall is that time of the year when the air becomes humid from precipitation. The humidity and lingering warmth of summer create a perfect growing condition for bugs such as ticks, beetles, and mosquitoes that usually spend time preparing for the penultimate season of the year.
Summer is often known to be the most bug-friendly season of the year. But when it eventually comes to an end, what then happens to the bugs? This article answers key questions about Michigan’s bugs during fall.
Bugs You’ll Likely See This Fall
Not all bugs can thrive in the coolness of autumn. While some find it difficult to adjust to, others bloom just fine. The bugs that are most likely to be seen during fall include:
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies often live in the ground during summer but start to find ways into people’s homes when fall begins. They lay their eggs in soil cracks, which hatch in about three days. In about five weeks, the nymphs mature into adults, who then start a new generation after a few weeks. Up to four generations of cluster flies are reproduced in Michigan every year.
Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle
The multicolored Asian lady beetle is another bug that you find around homes during fall as they search for shelter in preparation for winter. They often bite and emit a foul odor, which is why it’s probably one of the most detested fall insects.
Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are the most common fall invaders in Michigan. The adults that are seen scurrying around usually come from the eggs laid by their females in late summer that then mature into adults in October. Unlike lady beetles, they do not bite or stink.
What Do Bugs Do During the Fall?
During fall, many species of bugs enter into fall immature (egg or nymph life stages) and have a threatening chance of making it to the adult stage. This is because there tend to be periods of low temperature that can kill the bugs. For example, in mosquitoes, a phenomenon known as “killing frost” can lead to the death of virtually all exposed mosquitoes. Killing frost is defined as exposure to a temperature below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for over two hours.
Controlling Mosquitoes During Fall
Some bugs that thrive during this season cannot help trooping into your home if they find it favorable. However, there’s a thing or two you can do to discourage mosquitoes from coming near. One is to eliminate any stagnant body of water. This will kill the eggs and larvae present and prevent future infestations. You also want to drain gutters, check bird cages, outdoor playhouses, and any containers that can hold water.
If you have a pool, ensure you change the water regularly. Then, clear up piles of leaves, too, because some species of beetles like to breed underneath the leaves during fall.
Bug Infestation?
It’s not uncommon to notice an increase in bugs indoors during the fall months. Many insects are looking for a warm place to call home. They may hide in the walls or underneath the floorboards. You may not even notice that you have an insect problem until a few months later. The good news is we do a great job of finding and getting rid of bug infestations. Contact Solidified Pest Control for all your Michigan pest removal needs. We frequently work with ants, spiders, boxelder bugs, mosquitoes, and just about any other insect you’ll find in your Metro Detroit home. You can call us today at (248) 820-3057 to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians or contact us with our online form. Spider control in Michigan, ant removal, mosquito control, or bed bug removal, we can handle it all.