November 3, 2025

Pumpkin Spice and… Mice? How Fall Fun Can Lead to Unexpected Pest Problems

Because Fall in Birmingham Shouldn’t Come with Extra “Guests”

Fall in Birmingham is the perfect time for a fire in the outdoor fireplace, hayrides, and everything pumpkin-spiced. But while you’re sipping cider and enjoying the slightly cooler air, some unwanted visitors are celebrating too. As the weather turns mild and food sources pop up, mice, ants, roaches, and other pests start moving toward your home.

Here’s how your favorite fall traditions might be luring pests right to your doorstep and how Acre Pest Control can help keep the fun (and the pests) in their proper places.

rotted pumpkin on a step

1. Rotting Pumpkins Are Pest Magnets

That cheerful jack-o’-lantern on your porch might look cute now, but after a week or two in Alabama’s humidity, it’s basically a buffet for pests. Mice follow the scent of decomposing pumpkin. Ants and roaches see it as an easy food source. Flies love to breed in the mushy mess that’s left behind.

Tip: Instead of tossing old pumpkins into the yard, bag them and dispose of them in a sealed bin, or compost them properly, far away from your home.

2. Firewood and Hay Bales Can Attract Rodents

Cool fall evenings in Birmingham are perfect for gathering around a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. But while you’re relaxing outside, these cozy setups can attract more than family and friends. Rodents often seek shelter in nearby woodpiles, stacked firewood, or decorative hay bales used around patios. The warmth, cover, and occasional crumbs from snacks can make these areas ideal nesting spots for mice.

Tip: Store firewood and hay bales at least 20 feet from your home, and clean up any leftover food or drink after enjoying your outdoor space.

3. Fall Treats Feed More Than Family

Apples, candy, and baked goods are all part of the season, but if you leave them out overnight after parties or trick-or-treating, they can invite bugs and rodents indoors. Pests have strong senses of smell and will quickly find their way to any crumbs or spills.

Tip: Wipe down counters, seal food containers, and check for gaps around doors or baseboards where pests could sneak in.

4. Decorations and Storage Boxes Hide Spiders

Those festive boxes of fall décor stored in garages and attics make great hideouts for spiders, silverfish, and mice. Every time you move boxes or bring decorations back inside, you could unknowingly carry pests with them.

Tip: Store seasonal décor in sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard, and give everything a quick shake before setting it out.

5. Cooler Nights Mean Cozy Homes for Everyone

As temperatures dip, pests look for warmth and shelter. Cracks in siding, gaps under garage doors, and unsealed vents can let rodents or insects inside before you even notice.

Tip: A fall pest inspection can help identify and seal entry points before pests settle in for the season.

Stop Fall Pests with Help From Acre Pest Control

At Acre Pest Control, we know Birmingham’s fall weather keeps pests active longer than you’d expect. Whether it’s mice moving in for warmth, ants drawn to sticky treats, or roaches hanging around decaying pumpkins, our team can stop the problem before it grows.

Our home pest control services are available for Pelham, Mountain Brook, Hoover, and Greater Birmingham residents. Our local pest control pros eliminate existing pests and prevent new ones from entering. We’ll inspect, treat, and help you protect your home so you can focus on pumpkin spice, not pest problems.

Schedule your fall pest inspection with Acre Pest Control today and keep your cozy season pest-free.

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Pest control is one of those pesky homeowner chores that must be done but is beyond most our ability. So we rely on Acre and Doug for great service and competent answers to our questions

Frank Holden

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Birmingham, Alabama

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We love Acre’s Pest program. Not many companies out there provide the knowledge and service that they have given us. Dead Bug Doug is not only our Pest guy but now he’s part of the family!

Hal C.

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Birmingham, AL

acre pest control customer

I'm thankful to have Acre Pest helping manage these pest issues we have in the southeast. They have been attentive and educational when discussing our pest problems.

J. Nichols

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Birmingham, AL

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