Fall invaders

As the weather begins to turn cool, some insects begin to look for cracks and crevices to bury into, in preparation to overwinter. You may see large numbers of insects on the South and West side of your home or outbuildings. The insects are congregating on surfaces warmed by the sun.

Some insects are drawn to contrasting colors and shapes from the surrounding environment, which can inadvertently attract them to homes and outbuildings.

Homeowners should begin to think about pest proofing the home. Think of it in terms of reducing energy loss, sealing up cracks where air can escape will also help reduce the amount of insects that can enter.

While it is virtually impossible to seal up all the access points, focus on areas where vertical surfaces meet horizontal surfaces, such as around the eaves.

Also look for areas where plumbing or electrical services go through walls, garage door seals can also be problem areas. The insects are looking for a crack or crevice to get in to overwinter, if the crack or crevice leads into the house, the insect will be active inside the house due to the warm temperatures.

Some examples of accidental fall invaders are; boxelder bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs, crickets, face/cluster flies, lady beetles, and millipedes.

The multicolored Asian lady beetle seems to be the most common here in Clinton County.

The multi colored Asian lady beetle has been in Kentucky for about twenty years now, and becomes an accidental invader in homes quite often, generally in October during sunny days after periods of cool temps.

It is an aphid and scale predator, and can usually be found searching for these on trees and other plants. They do not reproduce indoors, nor do they attack wood, food, or clothing. However, they can stain walls and ceilings if smashed and will emit an acrid odor.

If found indoors, the best method to remove them is by using a vacuum or sweeping them up, some individuals have been found to be allergic to them so avoid touching your eyes after handling the beetles.

As stated above, taking steps to help reduce the number entering the home by sealing up cracks is the best method of keeping them outdoors.

While sealing cracks and crevices is a more permanent solution, outdoor barrier treatments can also be used. Pest proofing can be supplemented by an exterior treatment with an insecticide.

Homeowners will get the most for their efforts by applying longer-lasting liquid formulations containing synthetic pyrethroids such as Spectracide Triazicide, Ortho Home Defense, and Bayer Advanced Multi-insect Killer.

These can usually be picked up at the local hardware/lawn and garden shops. Spraying a couple of feet out from the foundation and up the walls a couple of feet as well will help provide a barrier.

Use caution, and always consult the label, as some products may cause staining or the residue may discolor the treated areas.

Taking the time to seal up cracks and using a barrier insecticide around the outside of homes will help lower the chances of having large numbers accidental fall invading insects to deal with this winter.

For more information on insects contact the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Office at 606-387-5404.

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Forage Field Day set for October 21

A forage field day will be held on Tuesday, October 21st at Springhaven Farm in Albany. UK Extension forage specialist Dr. Ray Smith will be on hand to discuss the advantages of stockpiling fescue for winter grazing. Dr. Smith will also discuss options for renovating or reseeding pasture and hay fields. Make plans to attend this field day to learn about utilizing fescue for winter grazing and to see some conservation practices. More information on the field day will be sent out in the coming weeks. For more information contact the Clinton County Extension Office at 606-387-5404.