As fall is fast approaching, expect the leaves starting to fall and the cold breeze touching your skin. But while the season’s climate is favorable, there’s one thing you must be wary of—a household pest.
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) said pests are moving indoors during fall. These fall pests can cause serious property damage, food contamination, allergies, and even diseases. Hence, homeowners must protect their properties against these uninvited critters during this time of the year.
Here are some common household pests to be on the lookout for during fall:
1. Fire Ants
It’s common for ants to move towards residential properties during cold months. Fire ants are among the species that love to stay indoors in the fall, where they can destroy certain areas of your house. To escape the cool weather, they move their colonies in the walls and beneath the floors of your home. Be sure to check these parts of your house.
2. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are said to be the most destructive critters of wood in the US. They cause significant damages to your residential property, especially during fall and winter. They gnaw on wood and other cellulose products such as paper and cardboard. Be sure to inspect the wooden parts of your house such as your doors, window frames, and wooden walls.
3. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are common during fall as they look for water, food, and a warm shelter. They opt to stay in dark places and filthy areas near drains and pipes. They carry plenty of bacteria that can compromise the health of the whole household. Therefore, getting rid of them is a must!
4. Stink Bugs
Did you know that stink bugs become active during fall? As the temperature drops, they leave their nests and head off to nearby properties. Sure, they may not be detrimental to your family’s health. However, they can cause damages to your clothes, furniture pieces, and furnishings at home. So be wary of these creatures during fall.
5. Deer Ticks
The black-legged ticks called deer ticks are the most common during fall. In fact, they ramp up during this time of the year. They also develop into adults and start a feeding cycle during fall. The problem is that they carry the Lyme bacteria, transmit them to pets and humans, and cause Lyme diseases. So tick management becomes necessary for the household.
6. Spiders
It’s easy to see spiders around your property all year round. Know, however, that fall is the mating season for them. This means that they might have grown in numbers by winter. So if you are looking to get rid of spiders inside your house, do so during this time of the year. It’s time to eliminate those cobwebs and ensure spiders stay outdoors.
7. Rodents
Rodents such as rats and mice are a big no-no in your house. However, they head off to houses during fall in search of food, water, and a warm shelter. They cause a lot of trouble in the household. Not only are they disgusting (looking filthy) and annoying (creating noises), but they also scavenge human foods and drinks. When contaminated, humans can get sick as these pests carry bacteria and transmit diseases. Lastly, they will destroy your property by gnawing on electrical wiring and chewing up holes in the walls.
Pest Prevention and Control
They say that prevention is better than cure, and this applies to preventing pests from invading your house during fall. There are a few steps you can take for pest prevention such as the following:
- Be wary of those pests mentioned above.
- Inspect house parts and areas where these pests most likely stay and thrive.
- Keep your house always clean and tidy. Avoid any dirty clutter.
- Store your foods and beverages properly.
- Properly dispose of waste products in the trash.
- Screen your vents, ducts, and other openings at home.
- Keep your basements, crawl spaces, and attics dry and well-ventilated.
- Have a home inspection for pests.
But as soon as you notice a pest infestation at home, the best course of action is to hire a pest control service. These professionals have the knowledge and skill as well as the tools and resources to get rid of these pests away from your home.
At this point, we have identified common household pests you must be wary of during winter. Be sure to follow some of the recommendations discussed above. Ultimately, pest prevention and pest control are key to protecting your property as well as the whole household.
