Cluster of box elder bugs and close-up of a lady beetle warning against indoor winter pests with pest control logo.

Box Elder Bugs, Lady Beetles & Wasps: Don’t Let Them Winter Inside Your Walls

September 15, 2025

When you think about fall in Atlanta, you probably picture Saturday tailgates, cooler evenings, and maybe even finally giving your air conditioner a break. But while you're enjoying the season, some uninvited guests may be planning their own version of a "staycation" inside your home's walls.

Box elder bugs, lady beetles, and wasps are notorious for sneaking indoors as temperatures dip. On their own, they might seem harmless—or just annoying—but when they invade in large numbers, they can turn your cozy home into an overwintering resort. That's why overwintering pest control in Atlanta isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must for homeowners.

Let's walk through how to inspect your home for weaknesses, the role of professional sealing services, and why partnering with the Atlanta winter pest control experts at BREDA Pest Management will give you peace of mind.

swarm of wasps on a wasp nest fall pests in Georgia

Why These Pests Choose Your Home in the First Place

Before we talk prevention, let's address the "why."

  • Box elder bugs are black-and-red insects that thrive in warm spots. When fall arrives, they'll swarm toward sunny walls and eventually creep into cracks, vents, and siding to ride out the winter.

  • Lady beetles (often confused with ladybugs) can show up in swarms. While not destructive, they emit a foul odor and stain surfaces when crushed. Large numbers can make your home feel like it's alive with bugs.

  • Wasps are most aggressive in late summer and fall. As their food sources dwindle, they're more likely to nest in attics, eaves, or wall voids—spaces you definitely don't want them to claim.

The common denominator? All three pests see your home as the perfect shelter when the weather outside turns chilly.

Step One: Inspect Like a Pro

Here's the good news: keeping overwintering pests out starts with a simple routine—a thorough home inspection.

Grab a flashlight and a notepad. Walk slowly around your house, looking closely at:

  • Windows and doors: Are there gaps in the frames or old weather stripping that's lost its grip?

  • Utility entry points: Where pipes, cables, and wires enter your home, even the smallest opening is an invitation.

  • Vents and chimneys: These spots often need updated screens to prevent insect entry.

  • Foundation cracks: Small fissures in brick or siding can serve as a pest superhighway.

If you're not sure where to look or what to prioritize, schedule a home pest inspection in Atlanta, Georgia with BREDA. Our technicians know exactly where box elder bugs, beetles, and wasps like to sneak in—and more importantly, how to seal those weak points.

box elder bug on exterior of a home fall pests in Georgia

Step Two: Seal the Deal

Once you know where the vulnerabilities are, it's time for action. Pest entry point sealing in Atlanta, GA is one of the most effective ways to stop infestations before they start.

DIY fixes can include:

  • Applying caulk around cracks and joints

  • Adding new weather stripping to doors and windows

  • Replacing or repairing torn screens

  • Installing door sweeps where daylight shows through

But for long-term protection, it pays to bring in professionals. BREDA offers professional insect exclusion in Atlanta—a process where our team seals, reinforces, and protects entry points using industry-grade materials that last. Unlike temporary DIY fixes, BREDA's sealing services are designed to hold up through Georgia's humid summers and chilly winters.

Step Three: Strategic Treatments

Even with excellent sealing, insect control often calls for a proactive approach. That's where fall pest control services in Atlanta come into play.

Treating the exterior of your home with an insecticidal spray in late summer or early fall creates a protective barrier. Whether you're targeting box elder bugs, lady beetles, or wasps, applying treatments directly to cracks, crevices, and entry points reduces the likelihood of a mass invasion.

Not sure which products are safe or effective? That's where the experts come in. BREDA's trained technicians know exactly which treatments will handle pests without putting your family, pets, or landscaping at risk. Plus, our team follows up sealing with targeted treatments—so you're covered on all fronts.

Step Four: Keep Conditions Inside Consistent

Here's something most homeowners overlook: your indoor environment can actually encourage (or discourage) overwintering pests.

  • Temperature: Sudden fluctuations inside your home can trigger pests to move deeper indoors. Keep your thermostat steady.

  • Humidity: Pests love moisture. If you use a humidifier, aim for balance—not dampness.

  • Clutter: The more "hiding spots" you give insects, the harder they are to detect and remove.

These small adjustments can make a big difference. Pair them with sealing and treatments, and you've got a layered defense system.

lady beetle crawling on a leaf fall pests in Georgia

Step Five: Call in the Experts When It's More Than a Nuisance

If you've already spotted a heavy infestation—or worse, you can't figure out where it's coming from—it's time to hand things off. BREDA has decades of experience providing residential pest prevention in Atlanta, GA, and we've seen it all.

Here's what sets BREDA apart from other companies:

  • Certified expertise: Our team is licensed, insured, and extensively trained in the biology and behavior of pests common to Georgia.

  • Year-round protection: We don't just treat the problem; we prevent it from coming back. That's why so many homeowners rely on BREDA for box elder bug control in Atlanta, GA, lady beetle pest control in Atlanta, and wasp prevention services in Atlanta, GA.

  • Technology-driven solutions: BREDA invests in advanced tools to detect and seal entry points with precision—something most DIY efforts can't match.

Want to see the difference yourself? Explore our pest control service offerings and learn why thousands of Atlanta homeowners trust BREDA.

The Bigger Picture: Year-Round Peace of Mind

Stopping box elder bugs, lady beetles, and wasps from sneaking into your walls is just one part of the equation. These pests may only make headlines in fall and winter, but Atlanta homeowners know pest pressures don't stop with the seasons.

That's why BREDA offers year-round pest control plans. By combining regular inspections, sealing services, and targeted treatments, we protect your home from more than just overwintering insects. From termites and mosquitoes to rodents and roaches, BREDA is your one-stop partner in keeping your home comfortable and pest-free.

For homeowners who like to plan ahead, consider this: the same sealing that keeps out beetles and wasps in fall will also help block ants, spiders, and rodents in spring and summer. It's a win-win investment.

Final Thoughts

Your home should be your retreat—not a winter getaway for pests. By inspecting for cracks and gaps, sealing entry points, applying exterior treatments, and keeping indoor conditions consistent, you can drastically reduce the chances of an invasion.

And when the task feels overwhelming—or you just want peace of mind that it's done right—call in the Atlanta winter pest control experts at BREDA. From box elder bug control in Atlanta, GA, to lady beetle pest control in Atlanta, to wasp prevention services in Atlanta, GA, BREDA has the tools, training, and technology to keep your walls pest-free all year long.

Don't wait until you hear buzzing in the attic or see beetles crawling across your walls. Contact BREDA Pest Management today for a professional home inspection and let us help you seal the deal on a pest-free winter.



If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.