Fall pest forecast: Ants, spiders, and mice

There is a pretty common misconception that cooler weather means fewer pest problems. This is only true for certain types of pests, such as wasps and ticks. As we’ve discussed previously, pest control is a year-round concern. In fact, cooler weather outside makes the warm interior of your home all that much more appealing. The primary concerns in autumn are pests that need to hunker down for winter: ants, spiders, and mice. Here’s what you need to know.

Sneaky ants 

They may be small, but ants can pose serious threats by contaminating food and damaging property. If carpenter ants manage to build a full colony in your home, the damage can be quite pricey to repair. Keep your home ant-free with these tips:

• Store sweets such as honey and sugar in closed containers
• Eliminate excess moisture by repairing leaking pipes and using a dehumidifier as needed
• Remove old landscape materials, debris, and excess vegetation from the property to reduce potential nesting sites for ants
• Seal cracks and crevices around the home, especially in places where utilities enter
• Dispose of garbage regularly and use trash cans with a sealed lid
• Promptly clean up food and drink spills

Additional reading:

• A closer look at pavements ants
• Small ants in my kitchen
• What kind of ants do damage?

Spiders: The spookiest fall pest

Fortunately, the more dangerous types of spiders, such as the black widow and brown recluse, are not major threats in the Northeast. Dangerous or not, most people would prefer not to have any spiders setting up webs in their homes. Prevent spider infestations by removing any possible nesting spots. Spiders enter homes as the outside weather cools and prefer the darkest, dampest parts of our homes: basements, crawlspaces, and attics. Keep these areas clutter-free and clean. Seal any cracks or crevices.

Additional reading:

• Are wolf spiders dangerous?
• Cobwebs vs spiderwebs
• Top reasons for spiders inside

Of mice and menaces

Hands down, mice are the pest we get the most calls about in the months leading up to winter. These hairy offenders enter homes hoping to ride out the colder months in comfort. Specifically, the comfort of your warm home that’s full of food! 

There are many things we recommend to keep mice and other rodents out: 

• Make sure all holes larger than a dime and gaps wider than a pencil are sealed with silicone-based caulk, steel wool, or other construction material
• Keep areas clear and store boxes—especially carboard—off the floor
• Store food in sealed glass or metal containers
• Leave surfaces clear of crumbs and food morsels

Additional reading:

• Mice: A top 5 pest
• Rodents move indoors during winter
• Where rodents live

Download Our Guide to Ants in Your Home

Don’t FALL for these pests. Our team at Graduate Pest Solutions specializes in prevention. Call us at 413-566-8222 or contact us with any questions or if you are experiencing a pest problem. We have the knowledge and service necessary to help keep your home and workplace pest-free!