What Are the Most Common Fall Pests?
When fall rolls around every September, aren’t we able to bid farewell to all the creepy crawling bugs and rodents that have been invading our space all summer? Unfortunately, no. The fall season is the time that pests mate, hibernate, and take shelter from the cooler weather.
In this article, the pest control experts at Mosquito Joe® share information about the fall pests you’re most likely to find in your home and garden this year and some simple ways to prevent them.
Pests That Infest Homes in the Fall
Did you think mosquitos hightail it to Florida when the weather gets cooler? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While they may be more prevalent in the summer months when doors and windows are open, they still hang around in the fall. In addition to mosquitoes, here are the top seven fall pests that may cause you problems this fall:
- Ants: Like people, ants look for a warm place to go in the cooler months. Unfortunately, the place where they often find shelter is your home. Ants particularly love sugary or greasy substances, so to prevent them from taking up permanent residence in your home, keep areas where food is stored and prepared clean, and seal any entry points (no matter how small they seem).
- Spiders: During the fall, spiders are out searching for mates and nesting sites. This is why they seem like they may be taking over your home from September to December. Regular cleaning and decluttering can help reduce their presence.
- Centipedes: These creepy crawly creatures with all the legs look scary, but they aren’t necessarily our enemy. While you may not want them hanging out in your house, they do make themselves useful by hunting other insects and spiders who have also invaded your personal space in search of food, water, and a warm bed.
- Cluster Flies: Cluster flies hibernate in the winter season, so around fall, they are looking for somewhere warm and dark to sleep for the winter. Seal cracks in the walls of your home, and make sure all of your doors and windows have screens to keep these flies out.
- Stink bugs: No one wants this common fall bug lurking around their house. When threatened, stink bugs let out a smelly odor that contains a chemical that attracts other stink bugs. Unfortunately, stink bugs tend to be highly resistant to pesticides, so removing stink bugs can be challenging.
- Mice and Rats: As temperatures drop, rodents find warmth and food inside homes. They can damage wiring and may carry diseases, so it’s crucial to eliminate any potential entry points and maintain a clean environment.
- Mosquitoes: As mentioned, mosquitoes can still be active during the fall, depending on the climate. Some species can survive cooler temperatures, and some mosquitoes can even make it through winter, so it’s important to take measures to prevent breeding, such as removing standing water.
Keep Pests Out of Your Home When Temperatures Drop
How to prevent pests and rodents from taking over your home as temperatures cool down requires a combination of preventive measures.
Here are some fall pest control tips that will help:
- Seal Entry Points: Look for gaps around windows and doors and check for cracks in the foundation. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these openings and prevent pests from finding their way indoors.
- Maintain a Clean Home: Keep countertops, floors, and other surfaces free of crumbs and spills. Empty trash cans regularly and keep garbage in sealed containers.
- Store Food Properly: Keep food in airtight containers to prevent pests like ants or pantry beetles from accessing it. Don’t leave pet food out overnight, and clean up spills promptly.
- Remove Clutter: Pests love the cluttered areas in your home for hiding places and nesting sites. Declutter your home, especially in storage areas like basements and attics.
- Maintain Outdoor Areas: Trim vegetation and shrubs away from your home because they can act as a pathway for pets to enter. Remove any standing water from gutters, flowerpots, or other outdoor containers to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for signs of pests. If you see droppings, gnaw marks, or damaged materials, call Mosquito Joe!
If you find that preventive measures are not effective or the pest problem persists, it’s time to call in the experts.
Fall Pest Control Treatment
Don’t let fall pests put a damper on pumpkin and apple pie season. With Mosquito Joe’s expertise in fall pest service, you can protect your home and property from these damaging pests. Our service professionals understand the unique behavior of pests during all seasons and implement targeted strategies to manage their population effectively. And with The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee to back every treatment, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
With locations across the United States, Mosquito Joe provides comprehensive pest control services tailored to your specific climate and local pest behavior.
Call on Mosquito Joe pest control and breathe easy. Request a quote today!
