Introduction to Spring Bugs

Spring in Northwest Arkansas is beautiful—but it also marks the return of some not-so-welcome visitors. As warmer weather arrives, spring insects start to emerge from their winter hiding spots in and around your home. Pests like boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and multicolored Asian lady beetles are especially common this time of year, often seeking warmth, food, or a place to nest.

Even though some of these spring bugs are more of a nuisance than a direct threat, they can still lead to larger infestations if not addressed quickly. Others, like carpenter ants and red imported fire ants, can cause structural damage or painful stings.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common spring pests in our area, how to identify them, and what you can do to keep them out—for good.

Common Spring Bugs to Watch For

Boxelder Bugs

You’ll spot these black bugs with distinctive bright red stripes around boxelder or maple trees. They often gather on the sunny sides of homes and find their way indoors through small cracks. While they don’t bite or cause damage, they emit a strong odor when squished and can stain surfaces. Additionally, boxelder bugs emit a smelly odor when disturbed, which can stain curtains and fabrics.

Cluster Flies

Cluster flies look like large houseflies but have a slower, more sluggish movement. They often infiltrate homes during the previous fall. You’ll often find them grouping together near windows or lights. They don’t reproduce indoors, but their large numbers can be overwhelming in early spring. Keeping doors and windows closed can help prevent them from entering your home.

Larder Beetles

These beetles are typically drawn to stored food, pet food, and even dead insects. Recognizable by the tan band across their dark brown bodies, larder beetles can damage stored goods and pantry items.

To prevent infestations, it is crucial to store all food items, especially pet food, in an airtight container.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles

Often mistaken for ladybugs, these pests can be orange, red, or yellow with varying numbers of spots. They release a foul-smelling yellow liquid when stressed or crushed, which can stain walls and furniture. To prevent multicolored Asian lady beetles from entering, it is crucial to seal potential entryways and maintain your home’s exterior.

A Deeper Dive into Spring Beetles

Larder Beetles

Feeding on everything from crumbs to deceased insects, larder beetles thrive in areas with organic material. Kitchens, pantries, and basements are their favorite hideouts.

Larder beetles are also attracted to dog food and other foods, making it essential to store these items in airtight containers to prevent infestations.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles

Unlike native ladybugs, these beetles aggressively invade homes in the spring. They often overwinter inside walls and attics, becoming a problem again once the weather warms up. Multicolored Asian lady beetles often become active during late fall as they seek warm shelter indoors.

Kudzu Bugs

These small, olive-colored bugs resemble stink bugs and release a strong odor when disturbed. They’re mostly found around wisteria and kudzu plants, but they’re just as happy hitching a ride indoors. Like boxelder bugs, kudzu bugs can stain fabrics with their odor.

Stink Bugs

Though less damaging than others, stink bugs are notorious for their smell. They become active in spring and can congregate in large numbers, particularly near windows and doors. Securing ceiling fixtures and light switches by sealing any gaps around them is crucial to prevent these pests from entering living spaces.

Why Pest Control Matters in Spring

Spring is when bugs reawaken and start breeding, which makes early intervention key. Without proactive pest control, a few overwintering bugs can turn into a full-blown infestation before summer hits. Hiring a pest control service is crucial for effective management and timely action to protect your home and health.

Professional pest control services from the experts at Flex Pest Control can help by:

• Identifying the pest: Knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step toward getting rid of it. While spiders are often grouped with bugs, they are technically insects, which means they have different biological classifications and implications for pest control.
• Sealing entry points: We inspect and recommend sealing cracks, gaps, and other entryways that bugs use to sneak inside.
• Creating a treatment plan: From baits to barrier sprays, we tailor our approach to your specific home and pest issue.
• Providing preventative maintenance: Regular treatments help eliminate bugs before they become a problem.

Additional Spring Pest Prevention Tips

Want to stay ahead of spring bugs? Here are a few homeowner-friendly steps to keep your space pest-free:

• Seal entry points: Check around windows, doors, vents, and the foundation for gaps or cracks. Make sure to seal all vent openings to prevent pest entry.
• Use weather stripping and screen repairs: Damaged screens and missing seals are open invitations to bugs. Replace damaged screens to keep pests out.
• Eliminate food sources: Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills, and don’t leave pet food out overnight.
• Declutter: Pests love cluttered basements, attics, and garages. Keep these areas clean and organized.
• Schedule regular pest control: Preventative treatments go a long way toward keeping your home bug-free year-round.

Get Ahead of Spring Pests—Call Flex Today

Spring pests don’t wait—and neither should you. If you’re already seeing boxelder bugs, beetles, or flies inside your home, it’s time to act. Flex Pest Control offers fast, effective, and affordable pest management services for homeowners in Bentonville and beyond.

Schedule your spring inspection today and kick pests to the curb before they settle in for the season.