Hi, my name is Luis Gonzalez, and welcome to another episode of the What’s Bugging You? podcast brought to you by Midway Pest Management. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about pests making themselves at home during cold temperatures. Let’s get started!

As fall turns into winter across Kansas City, most people assume bugs disappear until spring. But here’s the surprising truth — many insects don’t actually die off; they just move indoors for the winter. These are called overwintering pests, and once they find a warm place to hide, they’ll stay tucked away in your home until the weather warms up again.

Some of the most common overwintering insects in our area include boxelder bugs, stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and spiders. You might notice them gathering on sunny sides of your home in late fall. They’re looking for cracks, vents, or loose siding that lead into your walls, attic, or window frames. Once inside, they slip into quiet spaces and stay hidden until spring, when they suddenly reappear on warmer days.

While these pests aren’t dangerous, they can definitely be annoying. Stink bugs give off an unpleasant odor when crushed. Boxelder bugs and lady beetles can stain curtains, walls, or window sills. Spiders often take advantage of the same entry points to find a steady food supply indoors.

The best time to stop overwintering pests is before they come inside. Once they’re in, there’s not much to do except manage the few that make their way out into your living space. The good news? Preventing them is simple with a few proactive steps. Start by checking your home’s exterior for gaps around windows, vents, and siding. Replace worn weatherstripping and repair torn screens. Vacuum up any bugs you find indoors instead of crushing them — especially stink bugs and lady beetles.

For long-term protection, professional pest control makes a big difference. Exterior treatments during late fall create a barrier that stops pests from settling in. This kind of preventive approach is especially effective when combined with seasonal maintenance, because overwintering pests are most active in October and November — right now!

At Midway Pest Management, our quarterly pest control services are designed for Kansas City’s seasonal pest patterns. We know exactly when and where to target overwintering insects before they invade your home. Plus, regular service keeps other pests like ants, spiders, and rodents from taking advantage of the same entry points.

If you’re seeing strange bugs in your windows or noticing clusters of insects on the sunny sides of your home, it’s a sign they’ve already found their way in. Don’t wait until they start appearing all winter long — take care of the issue now.

If you don’t already have a pest management company protecting your home, Midway Pest Management would be happy to help you can contact us at 913-820-9737. We’ll inspect your property, treat entry points, and give you peace of mind all season long. Stay cozy this winter — not buggy!