Pests to Watch for the Fall
As the weather cools down in fall, some pests become more active and move into homes as they look for warm places with food and water to hide or hibernate until the weather becomes warm again.
Most people associate pest infestations with summer. Although the hot weather is the time when several homeowners are likely to encounter pest issues in their homes, pests pose a threat throughout the year. For pest control experts, the change of season to fall is no different in dealing with pests.
As the weather cools down in fall, some pests become more active and move into homes as they look for warm places with food and water to hide or hibernate until the weather becomes warm again. Here are a few common fall pests to watch out for around the property that can become a huge issue:
Bees and wasps
Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, hornets, and other stinging pests buzz more during the fall as they prepare for the cold winters. This is because their nests are fully mature by fall, and their population has increased considerably compared to summer. Also, during fall, their natural food source becomes scarce, and they begin to look for food to stock up for the winters while people enjoy the weekend picnics and outdoor cookouts.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches prefer a warm and moist environment. As the weather turns cold and outside food sources become scarce, cockroaches sneak into homes with easy access to food, water, and warmth. These creepy and dirty insects can contaminate food and transmit diseases. During the day, cockroaches hide in the cracks and crevices and scurry around the home for food at night.
Rats and mice
Rodents like rats and mice can squeeze through the tiniest of spaces to make their way inside the homes to escape the cold. These pests are a nuisance and breed quickly, leading to various problems. For example, rats and mice can chew through anything, damaging the wiring and causing other structural issues. In addition, their droppings, urine, fur, and saliva transmit various hazardous diseases.
Termites
Although termites are active around the year, they dig deeper to nest in the ground for warmth and easy access to food sources during the fall and winter months. Termites are one of the most destructive pests and are responsible for causing millions in property damage every year. Look for holes in drywall, mud tubes, bubbling floors, and loose tiles to identify termite activity in fall.
Spiders
Spiders venture out during fall to mate. They also become more noticeable as the baby spiders grow up by fall. Spiders prefer dark and damp environments and are most likely to build a web in the kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
Lawn grubs
Lawn grubs are another common fall pest. Grubs are the beetle larvae that hatch in fall and feed on the grassroots. The lawn damage they cause becomes more noticeable during this time. They are difficult to notice on the soil surface as they eat roots. Take measures to control the infestation and consider a prevention plan to avoid infestation.
Fall pest control tips
Homeowners can take these steps to prevent these common pests from making their way into the home during fall:
Seal all holes and gaps
Eliminate standing water
Ensure proper landscape maintenance
Make the home less hospitable for the pests
Replace or repair broken screens
Remove dead wood
Contact a local pest service professional for more information or assistance dealing with fall pests.
Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!