By ElRay Roper, Senior Technical Representative, Syngenta Professional Pest Management
Over the past several years, exotic insects introduced into the landscape have joined native pests to become fall invaders that cause significant damage. These pests aggregate on the outside of structures on warm fall days looking for a sheltered place to overwinter, and can create odors and stains once indoors. Some of the most important fall invaders include:
- Pollenia rudis)
- Box elder bug (Boisea trivittata)
- Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)
- Kudzu stink bug (Megacopta cribraria)
- Multi-colored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)
- Elm leaf beetle (Pyrrhalta luteola)
- Elm seed bug (Arocatus melanocephalus)
 
From left: Multicolored Asian lady beetle, Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, bugwood.org; elm leaf beetle, Gyorgy Csoka, Hungary Forest Research Institute, Bugwood.org
Essential tactics help keep pests out
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy that includes inspection, exclusion, barrier treatments and follow-up efforts is recommended for controlling fall invaders. When conducting an inspection, look for possible entry points for pests including around windows and screens, cracks and crevices and weather stripping around doors. Any potential entry points that are identified should be repaired or sealed. If fall invaders have already moved indoors, they can be physically removed by using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Residual control for the entire season
A broad-spectrum insecticide with extended residual activity can also help control fall invader insects throughout the winter. Demand® CS insecticide, Demand EZ insecticide and Tandem® insecticide from Syngenta Professional Pest Management are all formulated with iCAP™ technology to achieve this residual control with microcaps of multiple sizes. Smaller microcaps release the active ingredient quickly for immediate control, while larger microcaps remain intact and release the active ingredient later for as many as three months of residual control.
Ideally, insecticide applications should be made early in the fall before invading insects become a serious problem. Focus applications on southwest-facing walls of structures that receive lots of afternoon sun, as fall invaders are attracted to these areas. Ensure that your treatments also include around windows, doors and other possible entry points. Always re-inspect properties later in the fall season to check for insects, and talk with customers to see if additional treatments are needed.
By using the right IPM tools, you can help your customers enjoy the indoors during the colder months without the threat of fall invaders.
In the State of New York, Tandem may only be applied for indoor uses.
©2014 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local Extension Service to ensure registration status. Syngenta supports a FIFRA Section 2(ee) recommendation for Demand CS and Demand EZ on brown marmorated stink bugs and kudzu stink bugs on outdoor surfaces. Please see the section 2(ee) recommendation to confirm that the recommendation is applicable in your state. Demand®, For Life Uninterrupted™, iCAP™, Tandem® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Syngenta Customer Center: 1-866-SYNGENT(A) (796-4368).
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