If you’ve noticed an increase in insects in and around your home in the fall, it’s not your imagination, and it’s not just you. It’s the result of pests trying to get out of the cooler weather. Some pests migrate even further south than Florida, some burrow in or under debris, while others just try to get into our homes.
The scientific term for this phenomenon is overwintering. Overwintering refers to insect behavior in the winter months when they find shelter, migrate, and/or hibernate.
There are several types of pests known to try to get indoors, from insects to rodents. The most difficult fall pests to get rid of are the ones you can’t see because they’re now in the attic or behind your walls. Some of the pests most likely to end up in your home this fall include: rodents, termites, wasps, spiders, and Jadera bugs.
Read on to learn more about these common pests that may try to get into your home this fall and winter.
Rodents
You probably know that squirrels are excellent climbers but so are roof rats and mice. Most rodents can climb up trees and get onto your roof via nearby branches, fences, and or even by climbing a drainpipe!
From there, it’s easy to get into your attic and make a nest to stay warm for the fall and winter. If you hear scratching or gnawing noises from up above or inside the walls, you likely have rodents inside your attic or wall voids starting to make themselves at home.
Termites
Termites are considered to be the most destructive pest in America. The estimated annual cost of termite damage and termite control efforts in the US is up to $30 billion. Termites are always looking to enter your house as a food source.
So, what’s different about fall and winter? Subterranean termites, the most destructive species, tend to burrow deeper into the ground to stay warm in the winter. This means you’re less likely to discover a subterranean termite infestation until the spring. During that time, termites could cause a great deal of damage. Once termites can get into your home, they will consume wood and anything else that contains cellulose.
Signs you may have termites in your home include:
- Blisters on painted walls
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Mud tunnels in your crawlspace
- Chewing sounds
- Unexplained pinhole-sized holes
Wasps
Wasp colonies as a whole don’t overwinter; the regular workers do not survive, and the colony is rebuilt annually. However, fertilized queens overwinter outdoors in hollow logs, stumps, or under leaves. They can also overwinter on or in structures, including the attics or siding of homes.
The most common way for wasps to get in is through attic vents that aren’t screened. It’s always best to ensure that your attic is as sealed as possible to prevent wasps and other pests from entering. It’s possible for the queen to start her new colony in your attic next year, which can mean a large nest of stinging insects to remove. It’s best to prevent that from happening right from the start this fall!
Spiders
Some spider species are dangerous, such as the black widow or brown recluse. And these spiders will seek shelter anywhere they can, including inside your home, under rocks, or in building cracks.
Once they find shelter, they go through a process called diapause. In diapause, they slow down their bodies and become dormant – similar to hibernation. So, just like other mentioned pests, prevention is key to keeping spiders out in fall and winter. You’ll want to seal any cracks, declutter, and call pest control.
Jadera Bug
Also known as red-shouldered bugs, Jadera bugs are often confused with lovebugs. In the fall, these bugs seek shelter to stay warm for winter – to later then re-emerge in April.
Jadera bugs prefer to stay in plants, such as trees, cotton, and soapberries. They’re more of a nuisance than anything, but it’s best to prevent them with home prevention and professional services.
Keep Pests Out of Your Florida Home With Pro Extermination
Florida Pest Control has been providing Florida with trusted pest control services since 1949. If you have any of these fall pests in your home, Florida Pest Control can help get them out and keep them out. We also offer services to help prevent these pests from entering your home.
Contact us today for a free service quote!
