Creepy-crawlies look for warm winter homes

Shorter, cooler days send a signal to many insects that it’s time to look for warm winter home—perhaps your home! Clemson has researchers devoted to “six-legged science” and some specialize in exploring ways to keep pests and people apart. The bugs that bother us are cockroaches, fleas, ticks, ants, termites and wasps. And the list gets longer each year. The best offense for the invaders to your home is a good defense. Sealing off access is the way to start, according to entomologist Patricia Zungoli. Any to-do list should include weather stripping or other sealers to reduce small openings around doors, windows and garages. Pay attention, also, to plumbing inserts and areas where phone, cable and electric lines come into the building.