Fall changes pest behavior in several ways. Some pests become less active, while others begin looking for protected places to spend the colder months.
The first cool nights of the fall don’t make pest problems go away on their own. Instead, different pests respond to changing temperatures and daylight patterns, as well as food and water availability, in different ways. For Hamptons homeowners, that can mean that pest problems go from being in the yard to being in the house very quickly.
Rodents generally put more value in places like garages, basements, crawl spaces, attics, and sheds. Gaps around doors, vents, utility lines, and even cracks in the foundation can let them inside easily. Mice can squeeze into openings roughly 1/4 inch wide.
Overwintering insects are different. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are great examples. They gather on exterior walls as temperatures fall and then look for small cracks and crevices where they can spend the winter. Some may remain hidden inside wall voids or attics until a warm spell makes them active again.
There are other pests that can stay active a lot longer than homeowners think. Ticks are a good example of this. They don't just go away after the first chill. They can continue to latch on even in mild fall weather if you brush up against their habitats (leaf litter, wooded areas, etc.)
Fall is the ideal time to prep your property before pests move inside. Repair damaged screens and door seals, check utility penetrations and exterior seams, remove unnecessary debris next to the home, and keep stored food, bird seed, and pet food secured. Because ticks can remain active into cold weather, maintaining your standard prevention habits is just as critical as your structural repairs.
If changing fall conditions are bringing pests closer to your Hamptons home, Mosquito Squad of the Hamptons can help identify the activity and recommend an appropriate pest control plan. Call (631) 832-4856 or request a free quote online.
