DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - It's that time of year in which insects are desperately trying to avoid the cold crisp morning by invading our homes. Unfortunately, you can't call the police on them, so you are left to take on these invaders on your own.
The first common invader is known as a Boxelder bug and is distinguishable for it's black body with orange markings. I remember these bugs from my childhood and they often surround places that the sun can reach in order to stay warm. In the Midwest that will typically be on the Southern and Western side of your homes. They are called Boxelder bugs for their love of eating Boxelder leaves.
Secondly, is the all too annoying stink bug. These bugs seem to pop out of nowhere and we all know them for their pungent smell. In fact, as I write this article while sitting on my back deck, I see many of them flying around and my dog is going crazy trying to eat them. According to the Illinois Extension office the pungent smell is similar to that of cilantro. How appetizing!
The best way to combat these annoying bugs is by keeping windows and doors closed and sealed.
According to the Illinois Extension office, if the insects make it into your home, the warmth that your heater might provide could cause them to come out of hibernation, so be sure to dispose of them as you see them.
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