WWW.CLEMSON.EDU/PSAMEDIA

DATE:    3/22/01
CONTACT: Dr. Eric Benson, (864) 656-7860, Clemson Extension specialist
         Dr. Pat Zungoli, (864) 656-3137, Clemson Extension specialist
EDITOR:  Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Use your vacuum to get rid of
springtime invading insects 

     CLEMSON -- At different times of the year various insects, 
which are not normally indoor pests, may enter buildings. Many of 
these unwelcome visits come as temperatures rise during the spring.
Seasonal invaders are not usually serious pests, and long-term
infestations rarely occur. 
     However, large numbers of insects moving into structures can 
cause temporary problems and concerns. Three common seasonal invaders
are lady beetles, clover mites and boxelder bugs. To rid your house 
of these pests, you can use your vacuum.
     Adult lady beetles often cluster together in October and 
November to survive the winter in sheltered locations. After 
remaining dormant during the winter, the beetles become active 
again and return outdoors in the spring. If they have trouble 
finding their way out of a structure, their sheer numbers
can be extremely annoying. 
     Fortunately, these beetles do not bite, sting or carry human
diseases, and they do not reproduce indoors. Outdoors, they are
considered very beneficial in the garden and yard, because they 
feed on harmful aphids and some scale insects that can be serious 
plant pests.
     To reduce these beetles in and around homes, vacuuming is
generally the best method, especially when the beetles first appear. 
It is important to vacuum them quickly, because a few can attract
others. If you use a clean vacuum bag, you can store it in a 
sheltered area outside, and the lady beetles will emerge in the 
spring to feed on garden pests.
     If the beetles appear indoors in the spring, open doors and
windows temporarily to help them get outside.
     Clover mites are pinhead-sized mites that feed on grasses 
and other plants around structures. They are rusty-red in color 
and, when many mites are present, they can cause parts of a lawn 
to look bronze.
     Their numbers are usually greatest in the spring when 
daytime temperatures are below 70 F. This is the time they often 
move into structures. They do not bite people or pets, but they 
can stain fabrics or walls if they are squashed.
     Clover mite control is usually not difficult. If possible, 
remove grasses and weeds from around the foundation of the infested
structure. Areas cleared of grass can be reestablished with new 
plants that are not appealing to clover mites, like marigold, 
zinnia, rose, chrysanthemum, and petunia, or shrubs like spruce 
and juniper.
     Entry points, like cracks and crevices, which allow mites 
to enter buildings should be caulked and sealed. If mites do 
enter, they can be vacuumed. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid
crushing them and then place the vacuum bag in outside trash.
     Boxelder bugs are another springtime visitor. Their common 
name reflects that this insect is a pest of seed-bearing boxelder
trees. These insects can also be found on other trees, such as 
maples.
     Boxelder bug adults are about a half-inch long and mostly 
black with several reddish lines, especially along the edge of 
their bodies. Immature boxelder bugs are smaller and bright red, 
with only patches of black.
     Like lady beetles, boxelder bugs often cluster together in 
the fall to survive the winter in sheltered locations. Often this 
means inside a home.
     Boxelder bugs do occasionally bite people, causing some 
skin irritation. But the biggest problem from this insect is the 
red stain their droppings can cause on carpets and fabrics. As 
with other seasonal pests, the best way to prevent invasion is 
to caulk exterior cracks and other openings that boxelder bugs 
use to enter buildings.
     Sometimes, boxelder trees can be removed, but keep in mind 
that the infested trees may not all be on your property. Inside
structures, boxelder bugs can be gently vacuumed with a soft brush
attachment and discarded in outdoor trash.
     Pesticides are not recommended for any of these seasonal 
pests unless the temporary annoyance becomes intolerable. If 
used, sprays should be applied to outdoor areas where the insects 
or mites enter the structure or collect in large numbers.
     If large numbers of insects are killed, be sure to remove 
them. Dead insects, especially in wall voids, can attract more 
serious pests. If treating plants, make sure the product you use 
will not harm them, and is labeled for the area and pest you are
spraying.
     Remember, seasonal pests may come from areas beyond your 
property that you cannot spray -- Eric Benson and Patricia Zungoli, Clemson Extension specialists.
                  ***************************
     If you have gardening questions, write to PSA Media Relations,
A-101 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
29634-0129. You might also want to check our website at
www.clemson.edu/psamedia.
                              END