As the weather warms up, so do the bugs. Here is your guide to the most common spring insects you’ll find in Northeastern Pennsylvania during spring. From bees to beetles, these creatures are all around us. Some are harmless, while others can cause damage to our homes and gardens. Keep an eye out for these critters so you can enjoy a pest-free spring.
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Your guide to spring insects in Northeastern Pennsylvania!
Now, before I start to tell you about these bugs, I just want to clarify that these aren’t the only household bugs you’ll find in the spring season. But, in my many years in Northeastern Pennsylvania, these are the ones I’ve come across the most!
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and cause skin irritation and swelling. They are attracted to carbon dioxide and can often be found near standing water.
One of the most common summer pests, which start to become more prominent in the spring in North America, mosquitoes are attracted to standing water.
Make sure to dump out any containers that may have collected rainwater and eliminate any other possible breeding grounds for these insects.
Mosquitoes are a common nuisance in the springtime, even more so as they are carriers for diseases such as malaria and the West Nile virus. It is important to be aware of the dangers that mosquitoes pose and take necessary precautions to avoid being bitten.
Boxelder bugs
Boxelder bugs are a common household insect in Northeastern Pennsylvania. They are dark grey with a red stripe and can be found near boxelder trees, as well as on the sides of buildings.
Boxelder bugs are a common sight in northeastern Pennsylvania during the springtime. They feed on boxelder trees and can be a nuisance around homes and buildings.
In fact, boxelder bugs are not destructive or dangerous to your home. They mainly feed on maple and boxelder trees, but during the warmer months, they will enter homes and buildings in search of food. While they may be an annoyance, they will not cause any long-term damage.
Asian lady beetles
Asian lady beetles are a type of beetle that is found in homes in warm weather in Northeastern Pennsylvania. These beetles can be identified by their black head and thorax, and red abdomen. They are typically found near windows or on sunny sides of the house.
They are also easily identified by their distinctive M-shaped mark on the top of their head. These bugs can be a nuisance when they invade homes, but they are not harmful.
Asian lady beetles are not destructive to homes, but they can give off an unpleasant-smelling yellow liquid when they sense danger. This defensive mechanism is used to protect themselves from predators.
Cluster flies
Cluster flies are a type of fly that is larger than the typical housefly. They can be found in homes and other buildings during the fall and winter months. While they do not bite or sting, they can be a nuisance because they tend to congregate near windows and doors.
They get into homes through cracks in the siding, under eaves, and around windows. Once inside, they lay their eggs on surfaces near food sources. The cluster fly eggs hatch into larvae that feed on organic matter such as hair, skin, and feathers.
Cluster flies are not destructive. These flies tend to invade homes in the fall and winter months, and they can be difficult to get rid of.
Kudzu bugs
The kudzu bug is a recent addition to the list of household bugs in Pennsylvania. They are similar in size to the lady beetle and feed on kudzu, wisteria, and soybeans.
Kudzu bugs have now started to invade northeastern Pennsylvania. They are attracted to light-colored homes, so homeowners should seal any cracks or crevices and install screens.
What other household bugs can you find in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the spring?
If the above list wasn’t enough, here are some more household bugs that I’ve come across in the spring seasons up in the north!
Larder beetles
Larder beetles are a common type of household bug found in Pennsylvania. They are small, black insects that live in kitchens and other areas where organic materials are stored. Larder beetles can be tough to get rid of and often lay eggs in food items.
Larder beetles can be found all year round, but they typically become more visible when the weather warms up. These small, dark brown beetles feed on a variety of food items, including pet hair, lint, feathers, and dead insects.
The adults and larvae can infest a variety of food items, but they are easy to get rid of by throwing away the infested items and keeping an eye out for the adults flying or crawling around your kitchen.
Brown marmorated stink bug
This bug is a type of pest that feeds on a variety of crops and plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. The brown marmorated stink bug has the ability to cause substantial damage to these plants and is considered a major agricultural pest.
The interesting bit is that the brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species that was artificially introduced to the United States in 1998 by accident. These bugs enter homes during the fall and winter seasons as they search for a place to hibernate.
Brown marmorated stink bugs can enter through cracks or crevices in window and door frames, and homeowners often find them assembling in large numbers on the exterior of their homes.
These bugs often enter homes in the fall and winter as they search for a place to hibernate. To prevent these stink bugs from entering your home, make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are tiny, brown-colored bugs that feed on the blood of humans. They are often found in warm environments such as hotels, hostels, and homes. They can be difficult to get rid of and can cause a great deal of distress for those who are affected by them.
Bed bugs are a type of household bug that can be found throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of the United States of America. They may enter a home on their own or be transported from one place to another.
If you’re traveling, make sure to use a suitcase rack and dry your clothing quickly when returning home.
Flower flies or hoverflies
Flower flies, or hoverflies as they are more commonly known, are a type of fly that is attracted to flowers. They get their name from the way they hover around flowers while feeding. Hoverflies are beneficial to gardens because they help to pollinate plants.
They also use mimicry to gain protection from predators. Most people don’t know the difference between bees and hoverflies, but there is a big difference: bees can sting, while hoverflies cannot.
How do you go about identifying and preventing household bugs in the spring?
In order to identify a household bug in the spring, homeowners should check window screens and seal any cracks or crevices around their foundation.
Insects are looking for warm places to stay during the colder months, so checking these areas can help you identify any potential invaders.
While some insects are seasonal and will disappear as the weather warms up, others will stick around all year long. Homeowners can identify these bugs by their physical characteristics and learn how to get rid of them using natural or chemical methods.
In addition, they can take preventative measures to make sure these pests do not invade their homes in the first place.
In order to identify a household bug, it is important to know where to look. Check dark corners and unused items in your home for bugs. If necessary, throw out old products to rid your home of bugs in the spring.
Conclusion
At any time of the year, you must keep your home pest-free. Knowing what to look for is crucial to being able to do that. Else, a larder beetle will creep up onto your window sill, and you’ll be left thinking that it’s a pretty little ladybug!
