As temperatures start to drop, it’s a natural instinct for many critters to seek warm shelter and food inside our homes. These invaders can be annoying, cause damage to our properties, and can even pose health risks to our families and pets. As a homeowner, it’s essential to be able to identify common fall invaders and know how to deal with them before they become a significant problem. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common fall invaders and provide tips on how to keep them out of your home.
1. Rodents – As the temperatures drop, mice, rats, and squirrels start to look for shelter and food inside homes. They can cause damage to insulation, wiring, and even the structural integrity of your home. Signs of rodent infestations include droppings, gnawing marks, and scratching noises. Prevent rodent infestations by sealing up any cracks or holes in your home’s foundation and walls. Keep food in sealed containers, and regularly clean up any spills or scraps that may attract them.
2. Spiders – Fall is the time when spiders reach their peak activity levels as they mate and seek food. While most spiders are beneficial and harmless, some can cause painful bites, and their webs can collect dust and dirt. Keep spiders at bay by regularly dusting and vacuuming your home and sealing up any cracks and crevices where they can enter.
3. Stink bugs – Stink bugs are notorious for their pungent odor and can be a significant nuisance in the fall. They often sneak into homes through cracks or open windows to find warm shelter for the winter. The best way to deal with stink bugs is by preventing them from entering in the first place. Seal up any gaps in your windows and doors, and use screens to keep them out. If you do find them in your home, carefully remove them with a vacuum or trap and release them outside.
4. Boxelder bugs – Boxelder bugs are common in the fall and can often be seen congregating on sunny walls or windows, seeking warmth. They don’t bite, but they can leave behind a foul-smelling odor when crushed. The best way to keep them out of your home is by sealing up any gaps that they can crawl through and removing any boxelder trees or plants that may attract them.
5. Ants – As the weather cools down, ants will also start to invade homes in search of warmth and food. They are attracted to sweet and greasy foods and can often be seen marching in rows to their targets. Prevent ant infestations by keeping your home clean and food sealed in airtight containers. If you do find ants in your home, use bait stations to kill them off.
Fall is a time when many critters start to seek shelter and warmth inside our homes. While some of them are harmless, others can cause significant damage to our properties and health risks to our families and pets. It’s essential to be proactive in identifying and dealing with common fall invaders. By using the tips outlined in this post, you can keep your home pest-free and avoid any fall invader-related headaches this season.