The Five Invasive Pests to be on the Lookout for This Fall

Brown marmorated stink bugs, which were first found in the U.S. in the late 1990s. Each fall, they move indoors to overwinter, most commonly across the eastern half of the country as well as in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. They earn their name for good reason, releasing an unpleasant odor when disturbed or crushed, so it is best to avoid squishing or vacuuming them. The best way to prevent infestation is to seal cracks around windows, doors and siding before temperatures drop. 

Multicolored Asian lady beetles were introduced in the 1960s to help control crop pests and are now a common fall nuisance across the Midwest and Northeast. These beetles cluster on sun-exposed walls, so repairing damaged screens and sealing small gaps around the home is a good way to keep them out. 

Red imported fire ants are established throughout the South and West, with populations now reaching as far north as Virginia and Maryland. These ants deliver multiple painful stings within seconds, so if a mound is discovered on your property, don't try to remove it yourself; contact a qualified pest control professional.  

Asian longhorned ticks are found across the Eastern half of the country to as far West as Missouri. This tick feeds on humans and animals and is known to spread diseases like babesiosis. To help prevent tick bites, keep grass cut low, use an EPA-registered repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors. 

Spotted lanternflies were first found in the U.S. in 2014 and have expanded rapidly to over 19 states and Washington D.C. Fall is when they begin laying eggs, which look like gray spots of mud or cement on trees, rocks and other sheltered surfaces. You can help stop the spread by scraping visible egg masses from surfaces and properly disposing of them.