As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, many insects begin their annual migration—straight into our homes. In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the biology and behavior of three common fall invaders: the brown marmorated stink bug, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, and the boxelder bug.

Learn how these insects respond to seasonal changes, why they choose our homes for overwintering, and how to identify them accurately. The hosts also discuss the ecological impact of invasive species, like the stink bug and Asian lady beetle, and share practical, research-based strategies for keeping these pests out of your living space.

Skip to what you want to know:
00:43 Hey, Ken! It rained, but it is still dry.
03:59 Now is the time of year when certain insects take refuge in our homes.
04:42 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
14:17 Multi-colored Asian lady beetle
22:30 Boxelder Bug
27:05 Keeping fall-invading insects out of your home.
29:07 Exclusion
32:34 Do insecticides work to keep them out?
34:40 How to handle them when they get inside
38:15 Thank yous and coming up next week

Read More:
Fall House Guests - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2019-10-01-fall-house-guests
Ladybugs everywhere: Preventing and managing multicolored Asian lady beetles - https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-11-01-ladybugs-everywhere-preventing-and-managing-multicolored-asian-lady

Pictures:
Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org
Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
Bill Ree, Texas A&M University, Bugwood.org
William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org
Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org
Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org
Kristie Graham, USDA ARS, Bugwood.org
Jack Rabin, Rutgers NJ Agric. Expt. Station, Bugwood.org
Gerald Holmes, Strawberry Center, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Bugwood.org

Contact us! 
Chris Enroth: [email protected]
Ken Johnson: [email protected] 

Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing
Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe

Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.

Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk 

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