Look what wandered in–survey of the nuisance invader arthropods of the continental US

A survey was conducted to determine: 1)the most important arthropods that invade homes in the Continental US; 2) changes in incidence of species that act as nuisance invaders; and 3) identification of landscaping or other practices that may contribute to incidence of nuisance invasions by arthropods. Over 125 taxa were mentionned as invading homes with the multicolored Asian lady beetle, boxelder bug, springtails, millipedes, ground beetles, clover mites, western conifer seed bug, and cluster flies being most commonly mentionned. Springtails and multicolored Asian lady beetles were most commonly mentionned as being on the increase as a nuisance invader. Emergent nuisance invaders include the tuxedo bug (Raglius alboacuminatus) moving from the NW, brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) moving from the midAtlantic states, and dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus) in parts of Texas and Louisiana. Mulches, dense plantings next to foundations, and outdoor lighting were most often mentionned as factors that can increase incidence of arthropods home invasions.