The Box Elder Bug.

Box elder bugs get their name from the fact that they are usually found on box elder trees. Box elder bugs don't bite which makes them a nuisance pest. They appear in overwhelming numbers and often are found trying to get in your home to find a warm place to overwinter. These bugs are black with reddish or orange marks on their backs. The adults have a somewhat flat oval shaped body and are 1.5 inches long. The nymphs (baby bugs) appear bright red and don't have wings.

During the spring and warmer months these bugs can be found on box elder trees and often feed on the box elder seeds. They later move onto the female box elder trees or maple trees and feed on newly developing leaves. In the fall they often gather on the south side of rocks and buildings where the sun hits. After large masses gather, they try to find their way into warmer areas to try to overwinter. Get in contact with us to prevent these pests from overwintering in your home!

Black & Orange Boxelder Bugs: Bites, Infestations & Prevention (pestworld.org)

Do I need a pre-spring treatment?

There are quite a few ways insects survive winter, the first way is by migration. The Monarch Butterfly is the most common example of this maneuver. Many insects successfully survive winter as immature larva. Insects may also seek shelter under leaf litter or similar shelters to keep them warm, while others use glycerol to replace the water in their bodies to a liquid which acts as an antifreeze. Other insects simply bury themselves deeper in soil to escape the cold. Many Insects also overwinter as eggs, some species of mosquitoes can survive years in this form. Many wasps seek shelter in eaves and attics of houses and barns. How can I avoid the overwhelmingness of insects returning in spring?

Savi offers a pre-spring treatment that will help control these pests in the springtime. Our pet friendly chemicals are made to bury themselves in the soil to make sure these insects don’t return in alarming numbers. Doing things like making sure all leaf litter and other things laying around your home will also prevent pests from taking shelter too close to you. Rock and mulch areas will need to be treated as these tend to stay warmer, allowing pests to stay active during these cold temperatures.

https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/winter

The house mouse

House mice are considered the most troublesome pests in the United States. They live and thrive under a variety of conditions in and around homes and farms. House mice consume human food and any food meant for pets. They contaminate food prep areas with their feces which can contain bacterium that causes food poisoning (salmonellosis). Mice also cause property damage from constant gnawing on structures and furniture. Most of the time we do not see mice, so the question is, how do I know I there is mice in my home?

The way to identify if there are mice in your home is by droppings, fresh gnawing, tracks and possibly mice nesting usually located in basements and crawl spaces. Their nests are made of fine shredded paper and fibrous material, usually insulation. Mice have a keen sense of taste, smell and touch. They are excellent climbers and can squeeze in areas only .25in in diameter. In a single year, a female mouse can have 5-10 litters of 5-6 young. The young mice will be mature and ready to reproduce in only 6-10 weeks! Call for your free inspection now!

House Mouse Prevention and Control (illinois.gov)