Seasonal Pest Control in King, Pierce & Thurston Counties

Brown marmorated stink bugs: shield-shaped visitors looking for shelter

Adult brown marmorated stink bugs have a broad, shield-like shape, mottled brown coloring and light bands on the antennae. In fall they seek protected places, including gaps in buildings.

Tell us whether they are gathering outside or appearing indoors, which side of the house is involved and whether you have seen a likely opening. Avoid crushing them; their odor can add to the nuisance.

Western conifer seed bugs: the long brown bugs often mistaken for stink bugs

Western conifer seed bugs are longer and narrower than brown marmorated stink bugs, with expanded, leaf-like sections on the hind legs. They feed outdoors on conifer seeds and may enter buildings for winter shelter.

Their appearance indoors does not mean they are building a nest in your home or damaging its structural wood. If they repeatedly appear at the same window or room, share that pattern so we can discuss possible access routes.

Boxelder bugs: dark bugs with red markings gathering in groups

Western boxelder bugs are dark with red lines along the back. They can cluster on buildings and enter homes, with numbers varying from year to year.

A group on the siding can look dramatic, but the useful next questions are how they are entering and where they are collecting. Photograph the gathering area from where you normally stand, and tell us whether the concern is outside, inside or both.

Lady beetles: welcome garden insects that can become unwelcome houseguests

Multicolored Asian lady beetles can gather in buildings in fall. Their color and spotting vary, so a photo is useful when the insects look different from the ladybugs you expected.

These beetles help control plant pests outdoors, but groups indoors can be a nuisance. Avoid crushing them because their fluids can stain surfaces. We can discuss practical removal and ways to reduce entry.

Why bugs can appear after the initial fall rush

Some seasonal visitors shelter in hidden gaps and later become noticeable around windows or living areas. Western conifer seed bugs, for example, may appear during warm winter days. A new sighting does not necessarily mean an insect entered that same day.

Keep track of when and where you see them. Identification helps us distinguish an overwintering visitor from a different pest problem that needs another approach.

Reducing entry is a useful place to focus

Screens, door seals and gaps around windows or utility penetrations can affect access. Preventive work is most useful before large numbers settle into sheltered areas. Boxelder-bug guidance specifically emphasizes sealing during the season when bugs are not already present.

From accessible areas, note damaged screens or visible gaps. Leave high eaves and hard-to-reach areas for an appropriate inspection. Repairs should preserve the ventilation and drainage the building needs.

If they are already indoors

Once the insect is identified, vacuuming can be a practical way to collect many of these visitors, although odor-producing bugs can leave a smell in the vacuum. Avoid crushing insects against curtains, painted surfaces or furniture.

Repeatedly finding bugs indoors is a reason to discuss entry and sheltering places, not a reason to assume the entire house needs an indoor spray. Regional guidance does not recommend routine indoor insecticide use for boxelder bugs or lady beetles.

What a useful consultation covers

Tell us the insect's appearance, whether it is gathering outside or showing up indoors, and which rooms or sides of the home are affected. Mention whether the same thing happened last year and any work or products already tried.

We can discuss identification, likely entry areas and whether inspection, exclusion work, removal guidance or a targeted treatment recommendation would be useful. If treatment is proposed, ask what it can address and what maintenance or repairs still matter.

Tell us about children and pets and the areas they use. The proposed scope, preparation and any access restrictions should be clear before service is arranged.