RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Date:  November 2, 2021
Agent :  Donna Teasley

Hello, this is Donna Teasley, Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center.

The weather’s about to change and as the nights get colder and the days get shorter, uninvited, eight legged house guests are bound to start showing up. Yes it’s time for lady beetles and stink bugs to invade the house. If you are not one of the multitude of homeowners who experiences this problem each year, consider yourself lucky!

Both of these insects are congregators which means they like to group together in large numbers on the side of the house-mostly the south or the east sides where the sun hits first. From there they find tiny cracks and crevasses to come inside and make themselves at home. Is it annoying? You bet! But is it dangerous? Not in the least! Say that to me at 6:30 in the morning when I open my eyes to find myself sharing a pillow with 3 stink bugs!

These critters get in the walls and attics of the house and seek out warm spots in your living rooms, bedrooms, etc. What can you? Not much, once they are in the house. Insecticides are short lived and while they will kill insects when sprayed directly on them, there is very little residual effect for later on. It’s best to sweep them or vacuum them when you see them. Next spring, take time to search out cracks and crevasses around doors and windows and caulk them.

This is Donna Teasley with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. If you would like more information about this program you can call us at 764-9480.