Occasional Invaders
Centipedes, silverfish, crickets, earwigs and stink bugs wander inside when the weather turns too wet, dry or cold.
Why occasional invaders show up
Occasional invaders are pests that live outdoors and wander in only now and then. They are not looking for your food. They are escaping something outside, such as heavy rain, drought, heat or the first cold snap, or they are following moisture, light or a warm wall. That is why they often appear in waves, then vanish as the weather changes.
Damp mulch, leaf litter, woodpiles, overgrown shrubs and cluttered crawl spaces give them places to build up near the foundation, and gaps around doors, windows and pipes let them in.
Common species in Alabama and Georgia
House centipedes are fast, long-legged hunters that eat other pests in bathrooms, basements and closets. Silverfish and firebrats are shiny, carrot-shaped insects that feed on paper, glue and fabric in damp places. Field and camel crickets turn up in garages and crawl spaces, and the latter jump when startled. Earwigs and millipedes crawl in after heavy rain. Pillbugs and sowbugs live in moist soil and mulch. Brown marmorated stink bugs and multicolored Asian lady beetles gather on sunny walls and sneak in during fall to overwinter.
Most of these do not bite or damage the house, but they can be a nuisance, and the stink bug, as its name suggests, gives off an odor when it is crushed.
How we treat occasional invaders
The most effective approach is to stop them at the border. We inspect the exterior for the conditions that bring them close and the gaps they use to get in, then treat around the foundation, doors, windows and other entry points. Where it helps, we treat the spots inside where they settle.
These pests depend on weather and moisture, so we also recommend changes to landscaping and drainage. Regular service keeps the perimeter in place through the seasons, and we follow up if you keep seeing them.
Prevention tips
- Reduce moisture: fix leaks, improve drainage and run a dehumidifier in basements and crawl spaces.
- Pull mulch, leaves and wood back from the foundation.
- Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, pipes and vents.
- Replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps, and repair torn screens.
- Switch to yellow or warm-toned outdoor bulbs.
- Clear debris from gutters and keep downspouts draining away from the house.
- Store paper, books and clothing in sealed plastic containers.
Occasional Invaders FAQ
Why do these bugs show up all at once?
Heavy rain, drought and the first cold snaps of fall drive them out of mulch, leaf litter and soil and toward the shelter of your home. That's why they often appear in waves.
Are occasional invaders harmful?
Most are a nuisance rather than a danger, though large numbers are unpleasant and some, like silverfish, can damage paper and fabric. Treating the perimeter and reducing moisture near the foundation helps keep them outside.
Other pests
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