Fall changes which pests are active and how they interact with your home and yard.
Some insects become less active as temperatures drop in the fall. Others become more of a problem because they start heading toward homes. It’s worth knowing which is which so you can avoid pest trouble any time of year.
Stink bugs, boxelder bugs, and similar overwintering pests may gather on warm exterior walls before searching for cracks, vents, soffits, siding gaps, and other protected spaces. Rodents also tend to be more of a problem in the fall. Mice and rats need shelter year-round, but this becomes much more of an issue in the cold weather for homeowners. This is right when rodents start to head for garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds, attics, and wall voids. They can often find their way inside through existing openings around doors, foundations, vents, and utility penetrations.
Other pests that you might associate with warm weather stay active outside longer than you might think. Ticks are still a problem in the fall, especially in leaf litter and brush. Mosquitoes can linger longer than expected too. This is why fall is a good time to do yardwork like mowing the grass, raking leaves, and thinning vegetation.
Fall is also a good time for inspecting the home to make sure there are no gaps that can let pests inside. Repair damaged screens and weatherstripping. Inspect your exterior seams and the spots where pipes enter the house. Lock down potential food sources like bird seed or pet kibble. Clear away yard debris piled against the siding and stick to your standard outdoor precautions as long as the weather stays mild.
Keep in mind that weather can also cause pest activity to be inconsistent. Cold stretches can make ticks go quiet for a little while only for them to come back in warmer weather. The calendar matters less than the conditions around your property.
If pests are becoming a problem around your Greater Lansing property, Mosquito Squad of Greater Lansing can help with pest control around the property. Call (517) 798-8681 or request a free quote online.
