How to Prepare for Fall Pests

How do you like to spend the fall season? Maybe it’s curling up with a good book, getting cozy under a blanket, or enjoying the crackle of a fire.

Autumn is all about warmth and comfort, but you’re not the only one looking for it.

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, pests and wildlife start searching for a cozy retreat, and your home is one of their top choices. That’s why early autumn is the perfect time for you to get ahead with a few simple fall pest prevention tips.

Want to get a jump on fall pest control? Use these tips to make sure common fall pests spend the season outdoors. 

The Most Common Fall Pests (And Why They Want In)

Why settle for a pile of leaves when a warm house is on the table? When it starts to get chilly, these are the usual suspects that start looking for warmth, food, and shelter: 

Rodents

Mice and rats are some of the most notorious fall pests you’ll find. They can squeeze through openings as small as a dime, nest in walls or attics, and chew through just about anything. Once inside, they’re tough to get rid of, and they can do a lot of damage to your wiring and insulation. 

Spiders

These eight-legged invaders tend to move indoors in search of the prey that may also be sneaking inside. While most species are harmless, they can bring a spooky vibe to your home before it’s even Halloween. Basements, garages, and quiet corners are a spider’s favorite hiding spots, and you may see their webs before you spot one. 

Stink Bugs

The best thing about stink bugs is that they don’t bite or sting. But the worst part? The unpleasant odor they release when disturbed. Stink bugs often gather in large numbers on warm exterior walls before slipping inside through cracks and crevices.

Ants

You can find ants active outdoors all year round, especially in warmer climates. But some species may start coming indoors more frequently during fall in search of food sources — especially sweets and proteins.

Cockroaches

Cooler weather doesn’t always slow roaches down. In fact, fall can drive them to seek out warm, damp places like kitchens and bathrooms.

Squirrels and Raccoons

Larger wildlife are also known to seek out warm attics, garages, or even your chimney when preparing for colder months. Since they’re a bit more mischievous than other pests, they can cause damage to your home’s roofing and insulation. 

Fall Pest Prevention Tips

There are a lot of pests looking to borrow your home for the season. But with a few smart steps, you can make your indoor space far less inviting.  

1. Seal Up Entry Points
Inspect the exterior of your home for cracks or holes, especially around windows, doors, vents, and your foundation. Then, use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them up.

2. Keep It Clean
Food crumbs, spills, and overflowing trash are an open invitation to pests. Be sure to keep your living space clean and take out the garbage often.

3. Manage Moisture
Many pests, including roaches and rodents, are drawn to water. Using a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms and making sure your gutters are draining properly will help keep these pests away. 

4. Store Firewood Away From the House
Pests like ants and rodents often hide in woodpiles. If your firewood is near your home, it’s easy for them to make the jump indoors. Stack wood at least 20 feet from your home and keep it elevated so pests are less likely to access it.

5. Trim Back Vegetation

Leaves may be falling, but even naked branches that touch your home can act like bridges for pests. Keep trees and bushes trimmed and away from your exterior walls to keep everything from ants to squirrels out. 

6. Check Screens and Vents

Just like with gaps and cracks in your exterior, holes in window and door screens can let pests in. Repair or replace any damaged screens for an extra layer of protection.

Fall Into a Pest-Free Home

Once insects and rodents make the move indoors, they can be harder to deal with. If you need a hand with fall pest control, contact us to get help with keeping pests where they belong.