Customer LoginThe beautiful fall foliage in Massachusetts comes with an unwelcome downside – an influx of pests trying to enter our homes. As the temperatures drop, many insect pests seek out the warmth and shelter of our houses. Rodents also become more active in the fall as they search for food and nesting sites for the winter. This means that fall is prime time for dealing with home invaders. Here are some of the most common fall pests in Massachusetts and tips for keeping them out.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are generally considered beneficial insects thanks to their appetite for troublesome aphids. But when they start invading our living spaces, they go from helpful to horrifying. In the fall, ladybugs often swarm around houses in search of a warm place to spend the winter. The bugs may crawl through cracks and crevices to access attics, wall voids, or other sheltered spots. Once inside, they can stain walls, curtains, and upholstery with their yellow fluid when disturbed or crushed.
To deter ladybugs, seal any exterior cracks and crevices to block their entry points. Close curtains and blinds at night when the bugs are most active. Turn off exterior lights as well since these pests are drawn to illumination. Vacuum up any ladybugs that make it inside.
Cluster Flies
Cluster flies, also called attic flies or face flies, become a nuisance when they invade homes en masse in the fall. They prefer to overwinter in dark, secluded spaces like attics, wall voids, and false ceilings. These flies aren’t technically harmful, but they can be disturbing to deal with. Hundreds or even thousands may cluster together in an undisturbed spot.
Sealing cracks and crevices can help block their entry. Vacuuming is an effective method for removing cluster flies that are already inside. You can also use sticky traps or fly paper to capture them.
Stink Bugs
Stink bugs get their name from the foul smell they emit when threatened or crushed. These exotic pests have become increasingly common in Massachusetts in recent years. They seek out cracks and openings to sneak inside during the fall. Once indoors, stink bugs may gather almost anywhere, including around windows, in attics, and behind walls.
Caulk and seal entry points to prevent access. For stink bugs already in your home, remove them with a vacuum cleaner. Just make sure to empty the vacuum contents immediately outdoors to avoid any nasty odors. Traps and other insecticides are generally ineffective against stink bugs.
Rodents
Mice, rats, and other rodents also look for cozy quarters to spend the winter. They may try to enter garages, basements, attics, or other areas of homes. Gnawed materials, droppings, and strange noises can indicate a rodent infestation. Rodents pose health risks by spreading diseases, contaminating food, and damaging electrical wires with their constant gnawing.
Set snap traps or live traps to capture rodents. Seal up any holes or gaps with steel wool, caulk, or other materials to block their entry points. Trim overgrown vegetation and pick up fallen fruit and seeds around the exterior to make the area less attractive.
Ants and Cockroaches
Ants and cockroaches thrive indoors, so they don’t necessarily increase in the fall. However, you may see more of them marching into kitchens and bathrooms as the weather cools. Both pests enter through cracks and crevices and require food and moisture. Practicing good sanitation helps minimize their food sources. Take out garbage regularly, wipe up spills right away, and store food in sealed containers. Use ant baits or traps and roach motels to control populations.
With some diligence and pest prevention, you can avoid sharing your home with uninvited guests this fall. Sealing up entry points, removing food sources, and employing traps and vacuums at the first sign of pests will help protect your space. Don’t hesitate to contact a pest control professional if you need extra help evicting persistent invaders. With the right strategy, you can relax indoors and enjoy autumn in Massachusetts pest-free.
Get Protected from An Array of Pests with A1
This fall, take proactive steps to keep invaders like ants, stink bugs, mice, and more out of your Massachusetts home. A1 Exterminators’ Pest Prevention Plan provides season-long defense against over a dozen of the most common fall and winter pests. Our licensed techs will thoroughly inspect for any entry points, treat problem areas, install monitoring devices, and apply protective barriers outside your home. With 3 visits per year, A1 ensures your home stays pest-free even as temperatures drop and these unwelcome bugs and rodents seek shelter. If any fall pests sneak through, we’ll provide immediate re-treatment at no charge between visits. Give A1 Exterminators a call today to schedule an initial survey and get comprehensive pest prevention for the seasons ahead.