As the weather cools and fall sets in, pests begin looking for warm places to spend the season. Unfortunately, your home offers the perfect shelter. Rodents, spiders, cockroaches, and other critters often sneak indoors during autumn, leading to costly infestations and health concerns if left unchecked. Knowing what pests to watch for and how to keep them out can save you time, money, and stress this fall.

Why Fall Increases Pest Activity

When outdoor temperatures drop, pests instinctively seek warmth, food, and water. Homes and businesses provide all three. Small openings in walls, gaps around doors, and cracks in foundations create easy entry points. Once inside, pests can quickly multiply, making a minor issue a much bigger problem by winter.

Common Fall Pests

Several types of pests are especially active during autumn, including:

Rodents (mice and rats): These critters squeeze through openings as small as a quarter and can cause serious damage by chewing wires, insulation, and food packaging.
Spiders: Cooler weather often drives spiders indoors where they can build webs in basements, garages, and attics.
Cockroaches: Attracted to warmth and moisture, cockroaches often move into kitchens and bathrooms when temperatures fall.
Ants: While less active than in summer, ants may still invade homes in search of food before winter.

Prevention Starts Outside

The best way to stop fall pests is to block their access before they get inside. Here are some simple but effective prevention steps:

Seal entry points: Inspect your home for cracks, holes, and gaps, especially around doors, windows, and pipes. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal them.
Maintain landscaping: Trim back trees and shrubs that touch your house to reduce pest pathways. Keep firewood stored away from your home.
Eliminate standing water: Clear gutters, fix leaky faucets, and remove water-filled containers around your yard.

Keep the Indoors Unwelcoming

Once pests are inside, they’ll look for food and shelter. Reduce their chances by:

Storing food properly: Keep pantry items sealed in airtight containers. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
Cleaning regularly: Wipe counters, sweep floors, and take out trash frequently. Even small crumbs can attract pests.
Decluttering storage areas: Cardboard boxes and piles of clothes make perfect nesting spots. Store items in plastic bins instead.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice signs of pest activity—such as droppings, gnawed packaging, or unexplained noises—it’s time to bring in the experts. Professional pest control provides thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and prevention plans to protect your home long-term.

Keep Pests Out This Fall

Don’t let unwanted critters make themselves at home this season. By taking preventative steps and partnering with trusted professionals, you can keep your home safe, healthy, and pest-free. For expert help in managing fall pest invasions, contact Astro Exterminating Services today at (229) 404-4872.

Fall Pest Invasions: How to Keep Critters Out as Temperatures Drop