Insect invasion

Cooler temperatures and shorter days will be driving insects indoors this winter, including some exotic species. It's all part of a seasonal problem for homeowners and apartment dwellers in The Northwest. Many insects jump at the chance– or more appropriately, crawl at the chance– to find safe harbor and warm temperatures as winter approaches. That often prompts a phone call or email to state Departments of Agriculture:

 Entomologist Jim LaBonte: "We get calls throughout the year, but fall and winter is when we get the most of these calls because there are several species of insects– both introduced and native– that enter houses in large numbers at this time of year."

LaBonte says homeowners actually need not be too concerned about these bugs even though they may be a nuisance:

 LA BONTE: "They are not a threat to humans or to pets or to the structures in any way, manner, or form." 

One exotic pest that is now becoming all too common is the brown marmorated stink bug, which is widely found throughout the state. Not only a nuisance pest that can show up indoors in high numbers, this invasive insect is now starting to damage fruit and nut trees. What to do about any indoor insect pests depends on how many you have and your tolerance for bugs. In most cases, homeowners can take care of the problem themselves by escorting the uninvited guests outdoors or even using a vacuum cleaner if there are scores of bugs.