Pests are a major problem when it comes to our homes. They cause a lot of damage and make our living spaces uncomfortable.
The fall season is a beautiful time of year, but it can also be the perfect breeding ground for certain pests. There are several common pests in the fall that can be found inside your homes, such as spiders, bed bugs, and ants.
If you’ve noticed an increase in bugs or other insects around your home in recent months, there’s no need to panic. This blog post will teach you how to identify these three different pests and some ways to get rid of them for good!
Common Fall Pest
Some common pests seen in the fall are spiders, bed bugs, and ants. As homes get colder, pests seek a warmer place to live and shelter. Webs being spun will be seen in dark corners of the house.
Spiders.
As the weather gets colder and the days shorter, spiders seek shelter indoors to stay warm during the winter. In order to get into homes, they usually come in through open windows that are not properly closed or gaps around doorframes that provide a path for them to enter.
Webbing can be seen hanging from corners of the ceiling, doorframes, and cracks of the walls.
Spiders are venomous arthropods that vary in size. They prey on other insects or small animals but cannot bite humans without special equipment like fangs.
Types of spiders commonly seen indoors include wolf spider (Lycosidae), daddy longlegs (Pholcidae), and house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum). Wolf spiders are commonly found in North America. They are usually dark brown with white bands on their legs. Daddy longlegs are common outside, and they can grow up to 1 inch long but is most commonly seen as small as a nail clipping which makes it easier for it to enter homes through small openings. House spiders are found in North America and Europe, and they can grow up to 2 inches long.
Bedbugs.
As the temperature begins to drop during fall, bedbugs look for shelter to stay warm just like other bugs do. Bedbugs are oval-shaped, reddish-brown in color, with flat bodies. They are small but can be seen with the naked eye.
Bedbugs feed on mammals’ blood, usually at night when they’re sleeping. Bedbugs bite only exposed skin, so you cannot contract bedbugs by wearing clothing to cover your skin or sleeping in sheets that cover your body. In addition, bites cause itchy sores, which may cause secondary infections. Bedbugs are not known to transmit diseases, but they can cause stress due to the itchy sores that may appear on your body.
Ants.
A common pest seen in houses during fall is ants. They usually come indoors when the weather gets colder, looking for food and shelter. Ants can often be seen crawling on walls or the floor. They travel in groups and follow one another.
Ants can be found outside on trees or gardens, but some species like carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) come inside looking for food sources like sugary substances. Carpenter ants are usually around 1/2 inch long and brown in color, their nests, can be found outdoors. Fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) will come indoors looking for food sources as well, but they enter to protect themselves from the cold or rain. They often come through cracks or holes near doorways and windows.
How to Stop Pests from Entering Your Home
Pests that live in your home can be a health hazard. Therefore, it is important to get them out of your home before they spread any diseases or contaminate anything you have in your house. Here are some ways to get rid of pests from your home for good:
Inspect Your Home Regularly: Look for any signs of pests and keep a check on the different areas, so you know when it’s time to treat them. You will need to spot them early on to take care of the problem before it becomes a big issue.
Keep The House Clean: Pests thrive in an environment with dirt and dirty surfaces, so always do a thorough cleaning. In addition, make sure that food gets stored properly and never leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Repair Cracks or Holes In The House: Pests can easily find their way into the most unlikely of places, like cracks and holes in your home. Make sure you fill any such openings to keep them out. This will not only stop pests from entering your house, but it will also improve its insulation and help regulate temperatures.
Use Insecticides: Insecticides are the most effective way to get rid of any pests living in your house. You can use them to spray certain surfaces like cracks and crevices, window sills, and door frames. Make sure you follow all instructions for maximum efficiency and safety.
Involve A Professional: If you are having a lot of trouble with these pests or are too widespread for your use to handle, it may be best to involve a professional. They will have the tools, experience, and knowledge required to get rid of them effectively.