5 Places Pests May Be Hiding Around Your Property This Fall

Fall pest movement can send activity into areas of your property that you may not expect. With temperature changes and food sources shifting, fall is a good time to check over potential hiding spots pests may use. Effective Belmont, MI pest control correlates to proper homeowner maintenance.

1. Leaf Litter and Brush Along the Yard

Fallen leaves are a part of the fall season, creating piles of fun Foliage for kids and pets to play in. Freshly fallen leaves might look harmless, but as they fall, thick layers create cool and sheltered conditions for many pests to seek shelter in. Ticks especially like to spend time in leaf litter as they pile up close to trees, the edges of woods, and other locations ticks commonly spend their time in. Spiders also enjoy leaf litter and thick vegetation throughout the yard. It gives them cool resting spaces and even sheltered locations to build their webs.

It is important for homeowners to keep leaves from accumulating around patios, the foundation, pathways, and in general, anywhere you spend time outside. Keep in mind that as you do fall yard work, you are working directly in the habitats of multiple pests.

2. Woodpiles, Lumber, and Stacked Materials

Firewood stacks and leftover outdoor materials may not seem like obvious shelters for pests, but they contain countless narrow spaces where pests can tuck themselves away from wind and help retain ambient warmth. Spiders especially may build webs between logs or shelter under loose bark. When firewood is stacked up against the house, it also provides a sheltered place for rodents and other pests to linger while attempting to find access into the home. contain countless narrow spaces where pests can shelter from wind and changing temperatures.

3. Gutters, Planters, and Items Holding Water

A rainy fall week can leave water in surprisingly small places. Clogged gutters, plant saucers, children’s toys, tarps, buckets, and low spots can all hold moisture after a storm. During mild stretches, these water sources may continue supporting mosquito development or activity. Empty unnecessary standing water regularly and keep drainage areas functioning properly. If mosquitoes remain noticeable while temperatures are still favorable, the recurring mosquito barrier treatment helps control up to 85-90% of mosquitoes for up to three weeks.

4. Siding, Windows, Doors, and Exterior Gaps

Some fall pests spend their time right on the house before finding their way into sheltered spaces. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs commonly gather on sunny exterior surfaces, especially as nights cool. Small gaps around windows, doors, siding, rooflines, vents, and utility penetrations may then offer access farther into the structure. Repairing damaged screens and worn weatherstripping and sealing accessible openings can discourage these seasonal visitors.

5. Garages, Sheds, Crawl Spaces, and Storage Areas

Quiet structural spaces offer pests limited disturbance from humans as well as shelter from the changing weather. Mice and other rodents investigate areas like garages, sheds, attics, and even crawlspaces, seeking nesting areas and access to food. A great way to help limit the attractiveness of your home to rodents is keeping food in sealed containers, as well as pet food, tidied and inaccessible. Services such as Home Shield may also be worth discussing when locally covered indoor and perimeter pests become recurring concerns.

What Should You Do When You Find Fall Pests?

Finding a pest hiding place gives you useful information about why activity may be occurring, and Mosquito Squad Plus can help you determine the right approach and services for your home and current activity. Call (616) 920-8069 for a free quote or contact Mosquito Squad Plus of Grand Rapids for help choosing a Belmont, MI pest control plan.