Something invading your space can feel intrusive. No one wants to share a space with a creepy crawly bug, and you deserve to feel comfortable in your home.

As the temperatures continue to drop, there are 5 invasive pests that may begin to seek shelter in or around your home that you need to look out for.

5 Invasive Bugs in Roanoke

There are 5 invasive bugs in Roanoke that are worth mentioning. You may have already seen some of these pests lurking in your corners or crawl space. Some of these pests can cause structural damage, damage to wildlife, or even be harmful to you. Let’s break it down.

Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly came to Southwest Virginia around 2022 and has wreaked havoc ever since. They won’t hurt you, but they will greatly affect your outdoor spaces. They cause trees to deteriorate as they feed. The real damage starts when they are left untreated.

If you see small amounts of them in their adult phase, try to step on them before they continue to populate and destroy your property. If there are too many to step on, it’s time to contact a Roanoke exterminator.

Joro Spider

A Joro spider isn’t actually harmful. It’s just large and not pleasant to have around your home or business. They aren’t worrisome when it comes to structural or physical damage. These spiders are just incredibly intimidating.

Unfortunately, the Joro spiders reproduce quickly, spreading through your space with speed. To keep this pest under control, destroy their webs and egg sacs.

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is a small green beetle that is responsible for killing millions of ash trees. Not only do they pose a threat to the environment, but they can also cost you in property value. Not to mention, if you have ash trees near your home, they could become a safety hazard. The tree could fall on your home if it becomes too brittle.

Box Tree Moth

The box tree moth might be pretty to look at, but it is secretly destroying your landscaping and yard. The box tree moth eats boxwood plants, which are commonly planted as shrubs around your home. If you are worried about these pests ruining your yard, contact a local Roanoke exterminator today.

Imported Fire Ant

These aggressive ants travel in swarms and leave painful stings in their wake. They are not only harmful to humans but also to native insects and small animals. Instead of being predators to harmful pests, they protect them. These harmful pests then do more damage to plants and crops.

They also can cause infrastructure damage. Imported fire ants have been known to be attracted to electrical currents and can ruin air conditioners and other appliances.

When to Call a Professional

When you start to notice repeated sightings of a pest, then it’s probably time to consult a professional. If a pest has caused damage to your home or yard, call Bug Man, your local Roanoke exterminator, for a free inspection.