| Indoor & Outdoor Pests - November 2009
Please Note: All recommendations are for central Maryland. Time frames shift two weeks earlier in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore and two weeks later for Western Maryland. Check publications for further information.
Note: Bold type identifies photos that appear below.
Indoor
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 Ladybird beetles may be observed in large numbers congregating inside your home. These are harmless, beneficial insects that will not breed or survive for very long. Simply vacuum or sweep up any unwelcome guests. It is absolutely unnecessary to control these insects with insecticides. With cooler fall temperatures, other harmless or beneficial critters may also be showing up in your home, including spiders, crickets, slugs, and boxelder bugs. Escort these invaders out of your home or vacuum but resist the impulse to spray an insecticide. You can also prevent pests from coming into the house by storing firewood outside the house.
 Cluster flies resemble large, hairy houseflies. They are slow flyers and move into homes in the fall to escape cold weather. They are very active in November but as weather continues to get colder their activity will greatly decrease.. Boxelder bugs, lady bird beetles, crickets, wolf spiders, and elm leaf beetles will also try to come inside at this time. Caulk, weather strip and seal up all cracks and entry points around your house foundation, vent openings, windows and doorways to prevent these critters from coming indoors.- Miscellaneous beetles, like long-horned beetles and bark beetles may emerge from firewood stored inside the home. These are nuisance pests; they are not a threat to your home. You can also prevent many pests from coming into the house by storing firewood outside the house.
- Ticks remain active as long as daytime temperatures are above 50°F. Keep grass and weeds mowed and move bird feeders to the edges of your yard to minimize tick problems. Check yourself and loved ones closely for ticks after hiking or camping. Dogs and cats sleeping on your bed can easily spread ticks to you so check pets frequently.
 Many different types of ants may be found inside and outside the home. Carpenter ants tend to nest in wood that has been previously damaged by wood rots or other insects. You must locate the nest to control this pest. Try using bait stations to control minor infestations of indoor ants. Granular insecticides or bait stations labeled for outdoor use on ants are also available. As the weather gets colder their activity will decrease.- You may notice large, brown humpbacked crickets with long antennae that don’t chirp. These are camel or cave crickets and are attracted to damp, dark locations in the home, usually in the basement or garage. Exclude them as you would other nuisance pests by sealing up openings around foundations, doors and windows.
Outdoor
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 Praying mantid egg cases are light brown masses that are glued to twigs around the landscape. Leave them alone and don’t attempt to rear them indoors. These beneficial insects will hatch out next spring.
Hazardous Household Wastes
- Check with your county/city recycling office to learn about amnesty days at local landfills for household hazardous wastes including pesticides. Check pesticide containers for leaks and cracks. Also check containers that are old, have been stored improperly or were exposed to extreme temperatures. Call the manufacturer’s phone number on the container for assistance with these types of problems or contact the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378.
Pesticides
- Now that it is getting colder store all pesticides in a place where they will not freeze. Cold temperatures can cause these materials to become ineffective. If you have questions about the efficacy of your pesticides call the manufacturer, using the phone number listed on the label.
2009 Indoor and Outdoor Pest Tips
2008 Indoor and Outdoor Pest Tips
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