As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, fall brings a sense of coziness and comfort for many homeowners in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Unfortunately, it also brings something far less welcome, an increase in pest and rodent activity. As the weather cools down, pests and rodents are looking for warm places to shelter, and your home could be their next target. We explore how pests and rodents enter your home in the fall, what signs to watch for, and how to protect your space before an infestation takes hold.
Why Fall Invites Unwanted Guests
Fall is a transition period not only for us, but for pests and rodents, too. Insects like ants, spiders, and cockroaches, as well as rodents like mice and rats, begin searching for warm, dry areas with access to food and water. Residential homes offer the perfect environment, especially when small vulnerabilities go unnoticed. Understanding how pests and rodents enter your home in the fall is the first step to stopping them.
Common Entry Points Around the Home
Cracks, gaps, and holes around your home may seem minor, but they act as open doors for pests. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, and insects don’t need much more. Common entry points include:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Foundation cracks
- Vents and utility openings
- Damaged screens or weather stripping
- Open chimney flues
As part of your fall home prep, take time to inspect these areas. Seal gaps with caulk or weather resistant foam and repair torn screens to make your home less inviting.
Hidden Risk Zones: Wood Piles and Decorations
If you store firewood near your home, be cautious, wood piles are prime shelter for spiders, ants, and rodents. When wood is stacked too close to the exterior, pests can easily move from the pile to your siding or foundation. Keep woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground when possible.
Outdoor fall décor, including pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks, can also attract pests. As they begin to rot or retain moisture, they become ideal hiding spots. Always check decorations before bringing them inside and dispose of organic décor before it starts to decay.
Hitchhiking Into Your Home
Another common way pests and rodents enter your home in the fall is by hitchhiking, especially when you bring in seasonal storage bins, patio furniture, or holiday decorations from the garage or shed. Rodents and insects often hide in these items, and once inside, they find new places to nest. Shake out or inspect any stored items thoroughly before bringing them indoors.
Protect Your Home This Fall
Being proactive in fall can save you the headache of a winter infestation. Regularly clean out gutters, trim back overgrown vegetation, and store food (including pet food) in sealed containers. If you suspect pests have already made it inside, don’t wait, infestations grow quickly once the cold sets in.
If you’re concerned about how pests and rodents enter your home in the fall, the team at Delving Pest Control is here to help. We offer free consultations, no contract ongoing treatment plans, and discreet service designed to protect your home and your privacy. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and keep fall pests where they belong, outside.
