Fall does not simply end pest activity. It changes which pests are active, where they spend time, and how likely some are to move toward buildings.
Cooler weather affects different pests in different ways. It’s helpful to know what to expect so you can better protect yourself and your home as the temperatures start to drop in the fall.
Some outdoor insects become a lot less active as temperatures fall. Others start looking for protected places where they can survive through the winter. Rodents may place more value on garages, basements, sheds, crawl spaces, attics, and wall voids as outdoor shelter becomes colder and less predictable.
Overwintering insects like stink bugs or Asian lady beetles present a totally different challenge. They swarm sun-baked exterior walls and squeeze through minor structural gaps to get inside. Once hidden within your walls, they simply wait out the cold and may become active and emerge during warm winter spells.
At the same time, just because the temperatures are starting to turn doesn’t mean all your summer annoyances are done either. Ticks can remain active during mild fall weather, which is something to keep in mind if you find yourself going through brush or doing yardwork. Mosquitoes can still bite you too in the warm stretches before sustained cold weather suppresses their activity.
This is all why fall is a great time for cleanup and sealing gaps. Repair damaged screens and weatherstripping. Check utility penetrations, door corners, siding transitions, vents, and other exterior gaps. Reduce unnecessary clutter or debris immediately beside the house and keep food, bird seed, and pet food stored securely. It’s also smart to rake or blow leaves and trim back vegetation to make your property less hospitable to ticks.
If changing fall conditions are bringing pests closer to your Fenton–Brighton home, Mosquito Squad of Fenton–Brighton can help identify pest activity and recommend an appropriate control approach. Call (810) 202-9771 or request a free quote online.
