Autumn is a beautiful time of the year, saying goodbye to summer and welcoming winter, but fall comes with pest problems which can harm crops and houses. Fall is absolutely the best time to start pest control — especially in Western North Carolina. The reality is that pests will now look for a new home that is warmer as the weather changes. With the constant change in weather, sometimes hot and sometimes colder, the pests become more active, moving around as they search to overwinter.
These fall pests cannot survive the harsh winters, so they migrate to warmer places. This migration can result in some of them getting into your houses and can cause property damage and health issues. Here we will discuss the pests you need to look for in fall and ways to prevent them. Getting ahead of the game is the order of the day. If you start now, you can be assured that you will have less risk of any pest issues in spring.
Identifying The Fall Pests
To handle the potential pest problem and to be proactive rather than reactive, you have to find out what you are up against. Identifying the pests you are up against provides you with a better chance of getting rid of them, and saves your time and money when they awaken in spring time. Here are some fall pests you can find in your homes and the damage they can cause to your home as well as the health concerns.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are sensitive to cold weather. It is more likely for them to move towards warmer places with food. Most of these cockroaches can end up in your houses, spreading bacteria, which results in illness. The change in the weather in fall, with its highs and lows, will force the cockroaches to move around more.
Mosquitoes
There are about over 3000 species of mosquitoes around the globe, and they are the most dangerous vectors on the planet. We know that mosquito bites can bring severe illness. Mosquitoes usually breed near ponds and swarms, but they can also end up in your house if there are any water pockets near or in your house. Many people consider the mosquito to not be much of a problem during the fall. However, the weather can still be warm on many days before winter and so this causes the mosquito to survive. Vigilance is therefore a prerequisite in the fall against these dangerous vectors.
Rodents
Dealing with rodents is a challenging task at the best of times, even more so during fall in North Carolina. It is hard to catch one once they get into your house, and they can multiply fast. Rodents find it hard to survive in cold weather, so they find shelter in a warm place, where there is access to food. Houses are the best place for rodents to feed and breed. They usually settle in closed spots where they can breed easily. If your home allows access to rodents, you could be in for more of a problem than you think and now is the time to get protection.
Houseflies
No one likes flies, and in fact, they can become a severe problem in fall. You will notice the presence of flies in your house. Flies are hard to get by, so it is advised to take precautions to prevent flies in your house. As metal is a good conductor of electricity, flies are a good conductor of germs. You can suffer from food poisoning and other infections because of flies. Don’t believe us, Just walk into a certain coffee shop (we cannot name), and you will notice the problems quite clearly. This also happens at home and if you leave food crumbs or waste material, which is a hotel for flies, you will have a problem.
Ants
As winter approaches, it becomes wet and cold, which are not favorable conditions for ants survival. So you will notice more ants in your house by the end of fall. Among other ants, carpenter ants can be harmful to your house as they chew and build nests in wood. They will cause considerable damage in your home and just because you may not see ants foraging around outside like you did during the summer, it is because they are in your home.
Getting Rid of Fall Pests
Yes, you can get rid of pests if they have infiltrated your house, but it is no easy task. It can be costly and time-consuming if you leave it too late. It is advised to prevent them from getting into your house now. That means the time in November and December is the best time to be proactive.
Here are some pest control tips to help you. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost importance to start your pest control program now, not later.
- Clean debris and waste from your home.
- Make sure you seal all areas where pests can get into your home.
- Place a bug zapper in your house. It will get rid of flies, mosquitoes, and other insects.
- Start a pest control program now before it is too late.
- If you are not able to control the situation, then ultimately call apex pest control to deal with any emergency issues..
Preventing Fall Pests From Infiltrating Your Homes
It is better to apply necessary precautions to keep the pests out of your home. Once these pests infiltrate your property, it is difficult to track down the pests and deal with them if you do not have a pest program employed. Excluding pests from entering your home can go a long way to helping you before you call in the pest professionals.
Doors & Windows
Doors and windows are a primary infiltration point for pests. To stop the pests, you should repair any cracks in the doors. After doing this, you can use an under door draft excluder which not only stops the air leak but also prevents pests from getting into your house.
Windows are an important part of homes to allow the flow of fresh air. Windows cannot be kept closed all the time because of pests. You can install an anti-pest net on your windows if you do not have them already. This is a cost — effective method to keep the pests out of your homes.
Clean House
Cleaning your houses regularly has a very positive effect directly and indirectly. Studies show that a clean environment not only improves health but also has a positive psychological effect.
You should empty the trash every day to avoid cockroaches, flies, and worms. Make sure that the sink is kept clean as it is a hot spot for cockroaches. Any leakage in the houses, cracks, and gaps in the wall must be repaired as soon as you notice.
Cover food and do not leave overnight
Food is the very reason these pests are attracted to for survival. You should not leave the food open. Instead, use a food wrapping sheet or containers to wrap and store food for later. Unattended food can attract rodents, cockroaches, and flies. Dispose of the expired food properly, by placing it in a plastic bag and sealing it. Your food containers and cabinets should be properly closed.
Final Words
Pests can be harmful to the house and can be the source of different illnesses as well as being a continuous nuisance. In order to keep the pests out, you should keep your houses clean and take all precautionary pest control measures to ensure they do not trespass on your property. The best time is now to start your pest control program and to get ahead of the game.