Does it seem like there are more insects sneaking into your home as the temperatures drop? You’re not imagining things. Many pests become much more active indoors once fall begins. As the air cools and outdoor food sources dwindle, insects start seeking out warmth and shelter wherever they can find it. In Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, homes often provide the perfect refuge, offering steady temperatures and plenty of hidden corners to settle in.
Some of these seasonal pests will head south or burrow into the soil to wait out the cold, but others prefer to move right in with you. This process, known as overwintering, allows them to survive until spring returns. Keeping an eye out for early warning signs can save you from a much larger issue later.
Action Pest Control offers professional pest prevention and removal services to help you keep your home pest-free all winter long.
Fall’s Most Common Indoor Pests
No one likes finding insects crawling across the counter or hiding in room corners. But the ones you don’t see are often the biggest problem, as they can cause significant damage over time. The following fall pests are the most common invaders seeking warmth indoors:
- Asian Lady Beetles
That bug crawling across your wall may look like a harmless ladybug, but it might actually be an Asian lady beetle. These beetles are slightly larger, often orange or tan, and may not have any spots at all. If you’ve noticed one, there’s a good chance others are hiding nearby since they tend to gather in groups.
Asian lady beetles have a habit of releasing a yellowish, foul-smelling fluid when threatened. Unfortunately, this secretion can leave behind stubborn stains on walls, drapes, and upholstery. It’s one of the telltale signs that these pests have taken up residence.
While they aren’t dangerous, they can cause problems for sensitive individuals. Some people experience allergic reactions, such as eye irritation or mild respiratory issues. Because they use pheromones to attract one another, one intruder can quickly turn into an infestation. Prevent this by sealing up entry points around your home before fall begins.
- Stink Bugs
The most common stink bug species found inside homes across the U.S. is the Brown Marmorated stink bug, an invasive pest originally from Asia. These bugs have a distinctive shield-like shape and flat bodies, with mottled brown and gray coloring. Adults typically measure between ¼ and ⅜ inch long.
When disturbed or crushed, stink bugs release a strong, unpleasant odor that lives up to their name. The smell can linger in enclosed spaces and quickly make your home uncomfortable. In addition to the odor, large infestations may harm houseplants by feeding on their leaves and stems.
Stink bugs prefer quiet, hidden spots where they won’t be disturbed. You’re most likely to find them tucked away in walls, attics, or other secluded areas. When they die in these spaces, their remains can attract other insects like carpet beetles that feed on dead pests.
- Termites
No household pest in the U.S. causes more destruction than termites. The financial impact of termite damage and prevention is staggering, with annual estimates reaching up to $30 billion. These insects are constantly seeking entry points into homes, though subterranean termites, the most harmful species, typically burrow deeper into the ground during fall and winter to stay warm.
Termites eat wood continuously, day and night, silently compromising a home’s structure from the inside. They don’t just annoy homeowners; they can literally consume the materials your home is built from. That’s why prevention and early detection are essential for avoiding serious damage.
If termites invade, you might not realize it until the weather warms up in spring. By then, their colony could be well established, and repairs could be extensive. Warning signs include paint that appears blistered, wood that sounds hollow, and small, unexplained holes in walls or furniture.
- Rodents
Squirrels, roof rats, and mice are all remarkably agile and skilled climbers. You’ve probably watched them scurry across tree branches or balance effortlessly along fences. With those abilities, it’s easy for them to find their way into attics, where they can build nests and settle in for the season.
When rodents move indoors, they bring health and safety risks with them. Their droppings and urine can contaminate food, spreading diseases such as hantavirus, salmonella, and leptospirosis. They also gnaw persistently to keep their teeth trimmed, which can lead to damaged insulation, chewed wires, and even fire hazards.
Fortunately, these intruders rarely stay quiet for long. You may start to hear scratching or chewing noises coming from above the ceiling or within your walls. If you notice these sounds, it’s a clear sign you may have a rodent problem, and that’s the time to call a professional like Action Pest Control.
- Wasps
When winter arrives, most wasps don’t make it through the season. Their colonies die off as temperatures drop, leaving only fertilized queens to survive. These queens seek out sheltered places such as hollow logs, tree stumps, or even gaps in structures like your attic.
Wasps are known for their aggressive behavior, and their stings can be extremely painful, sometimes even triggering severe allergic reactions. Because they can build nests in hidden areas, they often go unnoticed until someone disturbs them. Taking preventive steps can save you from unexpected encounters and painful stings.
So, how confident are you that your attic vents are properly screened? If you’re uncertain, consider giving us a call. We can inspect your attic and install durable screens that help keep wasps, birds, and other wildlife from sneaking inside.
- Armyworms
Unlike many pests that try to move indoors during the fall, armyworms do their damage outside. These pests are a major threat to Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky lawns, capable of causing widespread destruction in a short amount of time. Repairing the damage they leave behind can be both time-consuming and costly.
Armyworms are most active in late summer through early fall, especially during September and October. They travel in large swarms, consuming every blade of grass in their path until your once-green lawn turns brown and lifeless. If conditions are right, they can wipe out an entire yard in less than a week.
Homeowners should act fast at the first signs of infestation, such as thinning grass or increased bird activity on the lawn. A professional lawn care or pest control service can help identify and treat the problem before it spreads. Preventive maintenance goes a long way toward protecting your landscape from these relentless feeders.
Protect Your Home from Fall Invaders
When pests settle in or near your home, getting rid of them becomes a much bigger challenge. Acting early can help you avoid a serious infestation by the time spring arrives. The following prevention and exclusion strategies are your most effective tools for keeping fall pests at bay:
- Seal Entry Points: Start by sealing cracks and gaps around your home. Caulk windows and doors, repair torn screens, and install door sweeps to block common pest entryways.
- Manage Outdoor Vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back from your home’s exterior. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from structures to reduce hiding spots for pests.
- Declutter and Protect Indoors: Reduce clutter in basements, attics, and storage areas where pests like to hide. Fix any moisture problems and store food in airtight containers to limit attraction.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Vacuum regularly to remove insects that have already entered and reduce potential food sources for pests.
- Professional Inspection: Schedule a pest inspection in early fall. A seasonal pest control exterminator can identify and address potential problem areas before pests settle in for the winter.
Your Go-To Professionals for Fall Pest Control
Have fall pests invaded your home? Let us help with our comprehensive home pest control services. For more than 79 years, we’ve been proud to serve the residents of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, protecting homes from insects and rodents alike. Our team combines proven methods with personalized service to keep your property safe. You can rely on us to identify problems early and stop pests before they become a bigger issue.
Reach out to Action Pest Control today for expert pest control and a free quote!
