Fall in Gaithersburg is the time to witness crisp air and colorful leaves. Also, it allows residents to have cozy evenings indoors, enjoying pumpkin-flavored treats. However, some pests want to join the celebration. The drop in temperatures encourages several pests to seek shelter, food, and warmth inside homes. So, those who live in the city should know which pests show up in the fall to take prompt action and keep their home pest-free. Also, they can check out greenpestservices.net to get information on pest control services they can rely on. Below are pests that may also celebrate the fall season with people:
Mice
Mice squeeze through gaps as small as a dime to escape the chill. They may end up in basements, attics, and kitchens. Gaithersburg homes offer everything they need, including shelter, crumbs, and soft nesting materials. However, mice chew constantly to keep their teeth trimmed, damaging wires, furniture, and insulation. They also contaminate food with droppings and urine, spreading bacteria such as Salmonella. To discourage them, seal openings around foundations and store food in airtight containers. Also, keep storage areas tidy.
Spiders
Spiders can be more noticeable in the fall, showing up in corners, basements, and near windows. They invade your home to find warmth and food. With other insects becoming scarce outdoors, spiders move inside to continue their hunt.
Most species found in Gaithersburg are harmless and even helpful since they feed on flies and mosquitoes. But their webs can be uncomfortable, especially when they appear overnight in unexpected places. The brown recluse and black widow deserve caution due to their venomous bites.
Keep storage areas clean and reduce clutter to limit spider activity. Also, seal entry points. Also, vacuum regularly to keep your home free of these eight-legged autumn visitors.
Stink Bugs:
Stink bugs enter through cracks in siding, vents, and window frames, looking for shelter from the coming cold. They may gather in attics, walls, and sunny windows, waiting for spring to return.
Stink bugs don’t bite or spread disease, but their smell when crushed can fill a room with a foul odor. They also leave stains on walls and curtains. You may find them lounging near light sources or on sunny window sills. To prevent an invasion, inspect your home’s exterior before fall hits full swing. Seal gaps around windows and doors and repair torn screens. Also, make sure vents are properly covered.
Ants
The fall season pushes ants indoors as outdoor temperatures drop and food sources dry up. Carpenter ants nest in damp or decayed wood, causing structural damage. Other species, such as odorous house ants, enter kitchens to find sweets or leftover crumbs. Eliminate spills promptly and store food properly to reduce their interest. Also, fix leaky pipes and keep wood structures dry to prevent carpenter ants from finding ideal nesting spots.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are survivors through every season, but fall gives them extra motivation to move indoors. They seek out warmth and moisture when temperatures drop, often hiding in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas. These pests contaminate food, spread bacteria, and trigger allergies with their droppings and shed skin.
Keep surfaces clean and fix leaks to keep roaches at bay. Also, clear clutter to make your living space less appealing to these pests. Roaches prefer dark, hidden areas, so inspect cabinets, drains, and appliance spaces to identify where they may be hiding.
Wasps
Wasp colonies reach full size in the fall, but food sources outdoors become scarce. They are drawn to sweet drinks, ripe fruit, and garbage cans around homes. Paper wasps and yellowjackets are common in Gaithersburg. They build nests under eaves, decks, or inside wall voids. Workers die off when the cold weather hits, but queens search for safe spots to overwinter.
Wasps can deliver painful stings. Multiple stings can cause serious reactions for those sensitive to their venom. Remove nests early in the season or call a professional to ensure wasps don’t stick around too long. Also, keep trash sealed and avoid outdoor food scraps to keep these stinging pests away.