As most homeowners know, the advent of cooler weather in the fall drives pests into your home as they seek warmth. Of course, some pests are more common than others. We’ll discuss five of the most common fall pests below.
1. Spiders
Spiders are everywhere in the fall. At least they’re much more visible. That’s because fall is mating season for most spiders, so they’re on the move. Of equal importance is their desire for warmth. Your home’s heat is very attractive to spiders in the fall.
Many spiders that you find in your home are annoying yet harmless. However, brown recluses are widespread in the four states and deliver a painful, health-jeopardizing bite. To a lesser extent, black widow spiders are also found in homes in our area. On the other hand, black widow bites are more dangerous than brown recluse bites. We recommend treating for both these types of spiders or any spiders that become a nuisance to your home.
2. Ants
Ants are a menace that can be hard to deal with without strong measures. Attracted to heat, moisture, and food, your home is the perfect place for ants to thrive. Some ants can carry diseases, but all household ants will make a nasty spectacle in your bathroom and kitchen (not to mention destroying food stores).
To prevent ants from invading your home, control moisture and plant growth around the perimeter of your house. Inside, you should make sure food is never left out or kept unsealed.
3. Cockroaches
The American cockroach is the biggest roach that infests homes, making the bug one of the country’s most troublesome pests. Cockroaches are dirty insects that pose a major health risk when they infest a home. Roaches can transmit at least 33 different types of bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli. The urine, saliva, and fecal droppings from roaches include allergen proteins that can cause allergic reactions in addition to asthma attacks.
How can you tell that you have a cockroach infestation? There are four common indicators. The first one is that you’ll spot the insects. The second sign is droppings from the bugs. Egg capsules being present is another sign, while the last one is a musty smell.
4. Rodents
Mice and rats are a constant concern for businesses, homeowners, and renters. Of all the pests on this list, rodents are probably the most dangerous due to their ability to carry diseases that humans can catch. Therefore, it’s essential that rodent infestations are prevented or dealt with rapidly.
Similar to the other pets on this list, mice and rats are attracted to food and warmth. The best way to prevent rodents is to keep sources of food tightly sealed, including garbage.
5. Asian Lady Beetles
Asian Lady Beetles are capable of biting and leave nasty yellow discoloration in places they’ve been. They’re probably the least serious of any pest on this list. However, if your home is being overrun with them, solutions are available.
For help getting rid of any pest on this fall list, please contact us!