What to Know About Kudzu Bugs During Fall Pest Season

What to Know About Kudzu Bugs During Fall Pest Season

Kudzu bugs are another nuisance pest that many homeowners begin to notice during the fall months — especially as temperatures cool and insects start searching for warm overwintering sites. While they may look similar to lady beetles at first glance, they are a completely different pest with a very distinct behavior and smell.

These small, olive-brown, square-shaped bugs are often found clustered on the sides of homes, porches, windows, and siding — and fall is when their activity is most noticeable.


What Are Kudzu Bugs?

Kudzu bugs were first detected in the Southeastern U.S. around 2009, and like stink bugs, they have quickly become a highly common seasonal invader. They feed primarily on kudzu vines — but will also feed on soybeans and other plant crops, making them a nuisance to both homeowners and farmers.

They are very small (about the size of a pea) but can gather in large groups on sun-warmed areas of your home in the fall.


Why Kudzu Bugs Invade Homes in Fall

Kudzu bugs are extremely sensitive to temperature shifts. Once cooler weather arrives, they seek out warmth to overwinter. Homes — especially sun-facing walls — provide the perfect landing spot.

They are attracted to:

  • warm siding

  • sunny walls facing south or west

  • cracks around windows and rooflines

  • gaps in trim, siding, vents, and eaves

Once they find a spot they like, they will gather in large clusters and often attempt to work their way indoors.


Are Kudzu Bugs Harmful?

Kudzu bugs do not bite or sting humans and they do not cause structural damage. The biggest issue is the odor and staining fluid they release when disturbed or crushed. This can stain walls, curtains, furniture, and exterior surfaces.

They are also extremely frustrating because of how quickly they gather in large numbers.


How to Help Prevent Kudzu Bug Entry

Simple prevention steps can help reduce large fall insect invasions:

  • seal cracks and crevices along siding and trim

  • repair torn screens and weather stripping

  • caulk around doors, windows, and utility entry points

  • remove dense vegetation near the home

  • avoid crushing them (vacuum instead)

Like stink bugs and Asian lady beetles — vacuuming is the cleanest removal method indoors to avoid odor and staining.


Professional Fall Pest Defense for Your Home

Kudzu bugs are just one of several seasonal pests that try to make their way inside when temperatures drop. Instead of waiting for insects to settle in for winter, proactive fall pest service creates a protective barrier that keeps them out before they become a long-term nuisance.


Protect Your Home This Fall With GPM Pest Control

GPM Pest Control provides fall pest prevention and treatments for homeowners across Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Our seasonal pest control programs are designed to guard against nuisance fall invaders — including Kudzu bugs — before they enter and overwinter inside your home.

If you’re already seeing small clusters forming outside your home, now is the ideal time to schedule fall protection.

Contact GPM Pest Control today and keep fall pests out this season.


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