Signs Fall has Arrived: Orange Leaves, Pumpkins & Invasive Fall Pests

As the weather cools, the sun sets earlier and the leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red, we welcome fall and all of its changes. While it is a favorite time of year for many enjoying apple cider, pumpkin flavored coffee and hayrides, pests and bugs also very much enjoy this time of the year. Leaves, not to mention popular fall décor items like fresh pumpkins and gourds, are a breeding ground for pests. Common fall pests like spiders, crickets, cluster flies and stink bugs begin to migrate from your yard into your home in search of food and a place to overwinter. Read more about the 5 most common fall pests and easy prevention methods.

5 Common Fall Pests & Prevention Methods

Stink Bugs: These are by far the most common invasive pest you’ll see in and around your home once autumn arrives. Attempting to find shelter for the winter they gain entry through windows, door trim, exhaust fans or lights in the ceiling.

Prevention Tip: Inspect all entryways for cracks or gaps, these should be sealed immediately. Further, caulk around windows and doors and repair any tears in window & door screens.

Bed Bugs: As travel ramps up for the holidays beware of these opportunistic bloodsuckers! Not only do they infest mattresses, but also love hiding in baseboards, cracks in walls and electrical outlets.

Prevention Tip: Leave suitcase in the garage or away from the main house for 2 days before unpacking. Wash all clothes in hot water before returning to your closet & drawers.

Spiders: As with most fall pests, a variety of spider species are looking for a home to spend the winter.

Prevention Tip: Power spray treatment around the perimeter of your home and seal all cracks, especially in the foundation.

Squash Bugs: Fresh pumpkins and squash make great decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving but turn into a feeding frenzy when they begin to rot. Squash bugs, beetles, slugs and snails love to feed on rotting pumpkins and squash.

Prevention Tip: Throw your fresh fall decorations away before they begin to rot.

Boxelder Bugs: After they’ve spent the summer feeding on tree leaves, boxelder bugs are in search of a warm place to spend the winter. They especially like homes with a lot of sunlight.

Prevention Tip: Exterior power spray treatment is necessary in the early spring then again right before fall starts, which is their most active life cycle.

Year-Round Bug & Rodent Control Services

Richmond Pest Control provides year-round prevention and control services for residential and commercial properties in Atlantic City, NJ and the surrounding areas. We offer power spray services, exclusion services, treatment and extermination. For an on-site consultation, call our Atlantic City, NJ office at 609-266-4200.