Indoor & Outdoor Pests - January 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.

• Indoor pests

• Outdoor pests

• Past tips

Indoor Pests

Don’t store firewood inside your home.  Only bring in enough to burn at one time.  Bark and other wood boring beetles, ants and spiders may emerge inside the home.

Fruit flies can be a problem when fruits and vegetables are allowed to sit for long periods on kitchen counters.  Use up your produce quickly.  Store leftover nuts from the holiday season in the freezer and store dried fruit in your refrigerator to avoid pantry pest problems.  Indian meal moths are a common problem of grains and grain products, cereals, bird seeds, dried pet food, etc.  You may see adult moths flying, larvae crawling or webbing.  Remove the source of the infestation and clean all jars and containers that are affected.  Always check bulk foods prior to purchase for signs of meal moth infestation.  Do not use insecticides around stored food to control these pests.  Grain mites are very small, 8 legged creatures that are light colored and resemble dust.  They often feed on pet foods and treats and may come into the home on any type of milled food product.  Discard infested products and vacuum and clean the area around the infestation with soapy water.   

Crickets, lady bird beetles, boxelder bugs, cluster flies, elm leaf beetles and other nuisance insects may appear in your home this winter.  They can merely be swept up or vacuumed.

Occasionally in January and February cluster flies, which resemble large houseflies, appear around windows or lit lamps.  They occupy attics or wall voids and become active on warm, sunny days.  They are sluggish flyers and unlike the house fly they resemble do not eat garbage.  Using a fly swatter is all that is needed.  Next fall prevent their entry by sealing up all small holes and cracks around the outside or your home. 

Household Hazardous Waste and Pesticides

Avoid storing pesticides over the winter in sheds and garages. Cold temperatures can cause these materials to become ineffective.  If you have forgotten and left them outdoors and 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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