Why Fall is Prime Time for Pests
If it feels like pests suddenly get worse in the fall, you’re not imagining it. There are a couple of key reasons why infestations spike this time of year:
- Cooler temperatures drive pests indoors. Just like people, pests want to escape the chill. As nights get colder, they gather on warm, south-facing walls and eventually slip through cracks, vents, or gaps in siding to make their way inside.
- Food sources outdoors decline. By late summer and early fall, many plants begin to die back. The insects and seeds pests feed on also become scarce. Your kitchen, pantry, or even pet food becomes a much more reliable source of nourishment.
Combine warmth, food, and water with the protection of a house, and it’s no wonder pests are eager to get inside Greater Birmingham homes every fall.
Common Fall Pests in Birmingham
Not all pests vanish when summer ends. In fact, some of the most troublesome invaders become even more active:
- Mice: These rodents are among the most common fall invaders. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a dime, searching for warmth and food. Once inside, they can chew wires, contaminate food, and multiply quickly.
- Spiders: Fall is peak spider season. While most species are harmless, spiders follow other insects indoors, making them more noticeable this time of year.
- Cockroaches: Roaches thrive in warm, moist environments. They often move into kitchens, bathrooms, and basements when outside conditions aren’t favorable.
- Ants: Although ants are most active in spring and summer, some species pick up activity in the fall as they look for food and nesting sites to prepare for winter.
- Occasional invaders: Stink bugs, lady beetles, and boxelder bugs don’t pose health risks but can gather in large numbers as they seek shelter in attics, wall voids, and basements.
Knowing which pests are likely to invade helps you better prepare for them.
Top Tips to Pest-Proof Your Home
The earlier you start prevention, the better. Here are Acre Pest Control’s top recommendations to keep pests out this fall:
Seal Entry Points
- Pests don’t need much of an opening to get in.
- Inspect windows, doors, foundations, and siding for gaps.
- Install weatherstripping and door sweeps to block entry.
- Seal cracks around pipes, wires, and utility lines.
- Add screens to attic vents and cover chimneys with mesh.
Keep It Clean
- Food and water are the biggest attractants for pests.
- Wipe counters and clean spills right away.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove crumbs.
- Store food in airtight containers, including pet food.
- Empty trash often and keep bins sealed.
- Don’t leave dirty dishes sitting overnight.
Manage Moisture
- Many pests are drawn to damp areas.
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and hoses.
- Use dehumidifiers in basements or crawlspaces.
- Clean gutters and direct water away from the foundation.
- Don’t overwater lawns and gardens.
Yard Maintenance
- A tidy yard makes it harder for pests to get close to your house.
- Rake leaves and clear away yard debris where pests hide.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground.
- Trim shrubs and tree branches touching the siding or the roof.
- Keep grass cut short and mulch beds neat.
Check Screens and Vents
- Screens and vents are easy entry points if damaged.
- Repair holes in window and door screens.
- Replace torn mesh with fine, pest-proof material.
- Cover vents and chimney openings with screening to block invaders.
These steps may seem small, but together they make a big difference in keeping pests out.
When to Call the Professionals
Prevention goes a long way, but sometimes pests still manage to sneak in. Here are signs it’s time to bring in Acre Pest Control:
- You’ve spotted droppings, gnaw marks, or live pests.
- You hear scratching sounds in the walls or ceilings.
- DIY efforts haven’t worked, or problems keep coming back.
- You want added protection to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Professional and ongoing pest control does more than treat active infestations; it also creates long-term protection for your home.
How Acre Pest Control Can Help
At Acre Pest Control, we know pests inside and out. Our home pest control services are designed to stop seasonal pests before they become a problem and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Detailed inspection. We look for signs of current pests and potential risk factors around your property.
- Targeted treatments. Our services eliminate active infestations while preventing new ones.
- Seasonal protection. Our quarterly pest control program adapts to the pests most active each time of year.
- Guaranteed service. If covered pests return between treatments, so do we—at no extra cost.
With Acre Pest Control on your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home is protected this fall and in every season to come.
Protect Your Home Before Pests Move In
The shift from summer to fall is the perfect time to take action against pests. By combining smart DIY prevention steps with professional pest control from Acre Pest Control, you can keep your home comfortable and pest-free.
Don’t wait until you see pests inside; by then, they’ve already settled in. Get ahead of them today. Serving Hoover, Mountain Brook, Pelham, and other communities throughout Greater Birmingham, our locally owned and operated pest control company is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your fall pest protection and enjoy the cooler months without unwanted guests.
