How Cool Fall Nights Drive Pests into Leawood Homes

Oh, Leawood in the fall. Crisp air, colorful leaves, and a welcome break from the summer heat.

And while you love to see fall arrive, it changes a bit more than the color of the trees. With the cooling temperatures and rain, something else changes too. Pest behavior. 

And honestly, during fall in Leawood, pest control might not be top-of-mind for you. And it makes sense. Most homeowners think about pest control during the warmer months. But with the cooler months, their food sources and shelter needs change as they scavenge for a place to settle for winter.

So, how does fall weather change how pests behave around your property in Leawood? Consider this your guide to finding out why. 

Which Pests Become More Noticeable Around Homes

You may have noticed one or two critters around your home this fall (that you’d rather not have around). 

Here are the common ones around Leawood:

• Mosquitoes - As temperatures cool, mosquito activity decreases. However, some species remain active during the warmer fall days, while others overwinter in protected places or leave eggs to hatch in spring. 
• Ticks - Ticks are especially resilient and often stay active throughout autumn. They seek hosts in leaf litter, tall grass, and wooded areas. 
• Ants - As temperatures drop, ants forage for food or move into sheltered areas before winter sets in. Some may enter homes seeking warmth and food. 
• Spiders - You might see an extra spider or two as males roam in search of mates during fall. Cooler weather may also drive more of them inside your home. 
• Wasps and yellowjackets - Late summer and early fall produce desperate wasps and yellowjackets looking for food. Sugary drinks and meals draw them in. 
• Fleas - Pets and other wildlife can often carry fleas to your property. And your heated home may be the perfect winter hideaway for them. 
• Rodents - During the cooler months, rodents make it their mission to find warm shelter, food, and nesting areas. Small gaps around foundations, doors, and utility lines can provide entry points. 

Why Garages, Attics, and Exterior Gaps Matter

And, these little critters will take advantage of any crack or crevice around your home. 

Many of these cracks and crevices appear close to: 

• Garages - Doors leading to the garage, weatherstripping, or utility lines in the garage are all ways pests can enter your home. 
• Attics - If pests can reach your attic, they can reach your home. The attic gives pests direct access to wall voids and other areas to reach you. 
• Exterior gaps - Any utility lines leading into your home (dryer vents, HVAC lines, etc) are prime ways for pests to enter. 

Fall Property Conditions That Can Increase Pest Pressure

Also, you could be making your property a pest paradise (without even realizing it). 

Here are a few things that could be attracting more pests to your property: 

• Leaf litter
• Clutter 
• Standing water 
• Dense vegetation 
• Unsecured trash 
• Pet food 
• Firewood 
• Other debris

Removing some of these top pest attractants can help reduce their populations (and how much they bother you).

Simple Steps to Reduce Fall Pest Problems

Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce pests: 

• Seal exterior gaps - Walk the perimeter of your home and seal any visible gaps. 
• Check door-sweeps - Replace any door sweeps that need it. 
• Secure food and trash - Ensure all food or trash is in a secure container. 
• Remove standing water - Check low spots on the lawn, buckets, or other containers for standing water and dump them. 

While these tasks will help reduce pests, DIY solutions only go so far. 

When to Call for Pest Control in Leawood

When you have pests taking over your property, it’s okay to ask for professional help. 

The tasks you do around your home help, but they will never do it all. 

Despite it all, you might still be seeing persistent activity, repeated indoor pest sightings, and hard-to-identify entry points. 

And you aren’t the only one. In fact, it’s exactly why we exist. At Mosquito Squad Plus of Kansas City, our trained professionals know exactly how to reduce pest populations on your property. Using EPA-registered products and a high attention to detail, we’ll help reduce pest activity around your home. 

If you’re ready to finally kick pests out, call us at (913) 586-2390 or request a free quote online.