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As temperatures drop in the fall, insects seek refuge indoors and hide inside wall voids, attics, siding and other crevices.

If no action is taken, these critters can re-emerge in the spring when temperatures rise.

Here are some common household pests to watch out for.

Stink bugs

can damage ornamental plants and create a nuisance indoors. They often crawl inside light fixtures and die, which creates a foul smell.

The invasive species is native to Taiwan, Japan, Korea and China, according to the . The bug was first detected in Ontario in Hamilton in 2010.

Adult stink bugs begin to emerge in May as temperatures and day length increases, according to the Ontario . To keep them out, seal all cracks, repair or replace damaged screens and remove or cover window-mounted air conditioners prior to the fall. Live or dead stink bugs that have made their way indoors can be removed by using a vacuum cleaner. Just be sure to dispose of them promptly or the foul odour will persist.

Box elder bugs

Black-and-red box elder bugs can measure up to half-an-inch long. Overlapping wings and black-and-red markings form an “X” shape. While these insects don’t pose a serious risk to people or homes, warmer temperatures will bring them out of hiding, as they are attracted to warm surfaces with direct sun exposure. These bugs are typically found on box elder trees, but they will move inside to hibernate during the winter, Orkin noted.

Asian lady beetles

Although beneficial in the garden, Asian lady beetles can be a nuisance in the home. They secrete a foul-smelling liquid that can stain surfaces. You might also find piles of dead insects around lights and windows.

Along with a through spring cleaning, caulking the windows and sealing up any exterior cracks are the best ways to prevent them from getting into your home.

Cluster flies

Once inside, cluster flies can gather in protected areas like attics and wall voids where they remain for the winter. In warmer weather, these insects can re-emerge in swarms around windows. Excrement from these insects can stain curtains and walls.

Spring cleaning tips

To rid your home of overwintering insects and prepare for warmer temperatures, Orkin recommends adding the following steps to your spring to-do list.

• Vacuum thoroughly and include the attic, garage and areas with nooks and crannies.
• Replace worn door and window seals. Daily wear and tear create gaps and allow pests indoors.
• Replace torn window and door screens.
• Clean dirt, leaves and lint from the exhaust of dryer vents.
• Clear debris out of gutters to prevent water from pooling.
• Trim tree branches and shrubbery so they are not touching your home. Pests will use the branches as a bridge to come inside.
• If you are replacing mulch, consider using cedar. In addition to helping repel pests, cedar lasts longer than other woods.
• Avoid planting fragrant flowers and vegetation that produce nuts, fruit or seeds. Opt instead for lavender, marigolds, lemongrass, chrysanthemums and petunias.
• Remove clutter in the attic and garage. Clutter provides harbourage for pests and cockroaches even feed on the glue that holds cardboard boxes together.
• Clean out your pantry. Get rid of old, unused products — especially those that have expired or gone stale — before restocking.
• Inspect spring and summer clothing as you remove them from storage. Be sure your clothes were not infested during the winter with pests like cloth moths or other fabric-infesting insects.