Fall is popular for its changing leaves and cooler weather. But one often-overlooked aspect of fall is the presence of bugs inside your home.
When the weather starts to turn, pests are in search of a warm place to call home. And if there is a way for pests to enter your home, they will. Once bugs find a warm place, they call all their friends, leading to an infestation inside your home.
As fall approaches, it’s important to prepare for any bugs that want to be holiday visitors.
which bugs should i watch out for in the fall?
1. stink bugs
Stink bugs are a well-known nuisance because of their undeniable stench. These oval-shaped insects can reach up to 2 cm long. They are most often brown or dark green in color.
Their odor comes from a chemical reaction when they feel threatened or you kill them. This is why some people choose to dispose of them by vacuuming them up. But even this disposal method can cause an unpleasant odor.
Stink bugs enter homes during the fall months for their hibernation period. The good news? During the hibernation period, they don’t reproduce or eat. Most species don’t bite, so their presence and stench are the main concerns.
2. cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most unwanted types of pests in your home.
Not only do cockroaches look gross, but they also bring unwanted germs and diseases into your home. Cockroaches spread bacteria and parasites throughout your home as they eat.
Most often, they will feed on garbage or food remnants. In extreme cases, cockroaches feed on household items and even humans! Cockroaches sometimes feed on human eyelashes and fingernails.
Because cockroaches are timid and nocturnal, they can go undetected inside your home. Look for cockroach droppings or shed skins in dark crevices or corners around your home.
Since cockroaches are pros at reproducing, the sight of one cockroach in your house is a sign of a bigger infestation.
3. wasps
As the warmer weather starts to shift, wasps will attempt to move their nests into a warm location. Your home’s garage, attic, and shed are all top contenders for their winter home.
Wasps are not in a great mood when the weather changes and their old nests get damaged. This is why they are more dangerous to you and your family in the fall months.
Wasp stings are painful, but if you are allergic a sting can turn deadly. If you are stung, wash the affected area immediately. If allergic, take an antihistamine or call your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing or severe swelling.
Other stinging insects are also common to fall pests. Keep an eye out for yellow jackets and bees.
4. ants
Ants are oftentimes the most common pest inside your home. While they can infest your home any time of year, ants are also active during fall months.
All ants are a nuisance, but each species is different. Here are the most common you’ll find inside your home:
- Odorous house ants – These are the most common and let off a noticeable scent when squished.
- Carpenter ants – Having these inside your home is a good indicator of decaying wood somewhere close.
- Rover ants – These smaller ants travel in large groups and collect around sweet foods, such as sugar or honey.
Your best prevention against ants is taking away their food source. Remember to frequently sweep your floors and keep your counters clear of crumbs. The cleaner your home, the smaller chance ants will find food.
5. flies
Flies become even more annoying when temperatures drop and they search for warmth.
Cold weather causes flies to slow down. They often hibernate and wait for warmer weather to hit. But if they find a warm location, like your home, they can remain active year-round.
Here are the common types of flies you can encounter in your home:
- Bluebottle fly – These insects love garbage and can carry diseases.
- Cluster fly – Enjoy quiet areas in your home and require lots of warmth. You’ll find these clustered around windows or other light sources.
- Fruit fly – Live off of rotten fruit or uncleared drains.
- Housefly – Attracted to all types of food and carry diseases.
You’ll notice an increase in flies if there is a warm-weather period in between colder days. The flies will perk up, thinking its spring, and go on the search for food.
The good news? Colder weather causes flies to slow down, making them easier to kill.
how to protect your home from pests in the fall
The easiest way to get rid of bugs is by not letting them find a way inside your home.
The most obvious way to keep bugs away is by getting rid of their food source. Food and warmth are the two common things that attract bugs inside your home. We don’t expect you to never use your heat, so instead, clean up your home.
Next, make sure you seal all your doors and windows. Bugs can enter in through even the tiniest of cracks. Also, check along the foundation of your home for possible entry points.
Bugs can get into your home in many unexpected ways. Be leery of secondhand furniture, shared laundry facilities, and resale clothing.
safe & effective pest control service
Once the fall bugs are inside your home, it’s time to call in the professionals. Your infestation will only get worse as they invite their friends and reproduce.
When choosing the right pest control in Vancouver, Look for the following things:
- License and Certifications
- Experience
- Reputation
- Services
- Price Range
When you consider all those factors, Natura Pest Control stands out of the crowd. Don’t believe us? Take a look at our testimonials from past clients.
Contact us today and say goodbye to those fall bugs.
