Fall is one of the most underestimated seasons for pest control but it’s a more important one than you might realize. Many people think, “Winter is just around the corner, I’ll just wait it out and then the cold will take care of the problem.”

The truth is that winter isn’t the cure-all it’s made out to be because if a species still exists in our area, that means it can survive our winters. In fact, fall tends to make pest problems worse instead of better as animals and insects seek shelter from the cold inside your home. To help you enjoy your fall without any unwanted houseguests, we’ve put together this guide to the top fall pests in Arkansas to watch for.

1.   Spiders

There’s no shortage of types of spiders in our area, with some being more dangerous than others. You don’t want any of them to be your new roommate, though, so it’s important to plan for your pest control now before spiders take up residence in your home for the fall and winter.

2.   Rodents

Rats and mice are some of the most damaging and concerning pests you can have in your home. Their droppings can carry disease and the rodents themselves carry other pests like fleas, lice, and ticks. Rodents are also a particularly invasive type of pest because they reproduce very quickly, so two rodents can turn into a dozen before you know they’re there.

Rodents tend to seek shelter in homes when the weather gets cooler. They’re known to make nests in walls, crawl spaces, and attics.

As you prepare for the fall, keep an eye out for signs of rodents like their droppings or urine stains as well as the rodents themselves. If you suspect a rodent problem, we can help you address it now before the rodents multiply and create a larger infestation. Don’t forget to also look for any areas where rodents could get into your home, like holes in walls or gaps between bricks or boards, and close those opportunities before the weather gets colder.

3.   Bed Bugs

People tend to associate bed bugs more with summer because they often spread when you travel, hitchhiking in your luggage after you stay at a hotel with bed bugs. Truth be told, though, bed bugs are a year-round problem. Because they live exclusively indoors, their populations also don’t cull in the winter the way many other pests’ populations do.

Watch for the telltale signs of bed bugs like a rash of bites, tiny blood spots on your sheets, or small stains on your bedding. Be particularly watchful after you return from a trip or after you’ve had a guest sleep at your home.

If you do see potential signs of bed bugs, you might find that there are many home remedies online for bed bugs. Unfortunately, these are usually merely guesses or myths. Instead of trying to get rid of bed bugs by cranking up your thermostat and sweating it out for days or weeks, contact our pest control specialists to take care of the bugs in an efficient and reliable way.

4.   Stink Bugs

Everyone in the South knows the dreaded scent of the stink bug. These uniquely shaped bugs aren’t generally dangerous to your health but they don’t exactly emit a smell that’s pleasant to have in your home. Their droppings can also damage expensive items in your home like furniture and clothing. Like many bugs, though, they often try to get into homes when the weather gets cold, so keep your eyes (and your nose) on alert.

5.   Wasps

If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you know for a fact that you don’t want these creatures around your home. Their stings are painful and can sometimes spark an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, their population has been rising in recent years.

Many types of wasps like yellow jackets create nests in certain areas of your home, especially as the fall sets in. The most common place to find these nests is in the eaves of your home, garage, or other structure, but you may also see them in holes in trees.

If you do see a wasp nest, don’t try to remove it yourself. These critters can be very aggressive when they feel threatened, so it takes specialized equipment and techniques to safely solve the problem.

6.   Termites

Like many pests, termite populations tend to ebb and flow throughout the year. There are several months of the year when they often surge in Arkansas, and November is one of those months. Now is the time to get a termite inspection and find out if you have the beginnings of a termite issue so you can treat it before your home sustains serious damage.

7.   Mosquitoes

Most people associate mosquitos with summer evenings, and it’s true that they’re generally at their peak during the heat of summer. They’re still around and thriving in the early fall, though, including September and often into October, depending on the weather. Not only do mosquitoes have a particularly unpleasant bite that itches for days but they can carry a litany of diseases too. In fact, mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal. Our pest control team can help you minimize mosquito activity on your property.

How to Get on Top of Fall Pests

If you believe you have any of the common fall pests above or if you simply haven’t had a preventative inspection in a while, contact our experienced pest control team. Our knowledgeable specialists know exactly what to look for and can help you resolve the problem in the most efficient, effective, and convenient way possible. Instead of hoping your infestation fixes itself in the winter, take back your home today. Contact us for a free quote.