As fall sets in and the temperatures drop across Iowa, many pests begin searching for a warm place to stay. Unfortunately, that cozy spot could be your home. Common fall pests like mice, spiders, and boxelder bugs are on the move, looking for shelter from the cold. Taking steps now to prevent these unwanted guests from coming inside can save you time, money, and hassle later on.
Why Do Pests Move Indoors in the Fall?
As the weather cools down, pests hunt for warmer environments to survive. Many pests can't handle the colder temperatures outside, so they look for cracks, gaps, and openings in your home that give them access to warmth and food. Did you know a mouse can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime?! Spiders, boxelder bugs, and other insects are also drawn indoors, where they can find shelter.
Common Fall Pests in Iowa
Here are a few of the most common pests you might see around your home as the temperatures drop:
Mice and Rats: Rodents are notorious for finding their way into homes during the fall. They will sneak in through gaps around doors, windows, or your home's foundation. Once inside, they can chew through wires, insulation, and even wood.
Spiders: While most spiders aren't harmful, they can still be an unwelcome sight inside your home. As outdoor temperatures fall, spiders move indoors for warmth and prey like insects.
Boxelder bugs: Boxelder bugs live in the Iowa fields, but once harvest begins it’s time for them to find a new home. They like warm areas and will enjoy the sunshine inside your windowsills.
Steps You Can Take to Keep Pests Out
To keep pests from invading your home this fall, it's important to take some simple precautions:
Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows or doors, and any other openings where pests could enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these areas.
Store Food Properly: Keep food in sealed containers, and don’t leave pet food or crumbs out. Pests like mice are drawn to food sources, so keeping a clean kitchen can help deter them.
Clear Clutter: Piles of leaves, firewood, and other debris can be inviting for pests like rodents and spiders. Clear these from around your home to reduce places where they can hide.
Fix Leaks: Pests need water to survive. By repairing leaky faucets, pipes, and other moisture issues, you can make your home less attractive to them.
Call a Pest Professional: Turn to a trusted team like Tiger Pride Pest Control to put down a barrier around your home ASAP, giving your home the best possible protection, this fall.
Pest Control in Iowa
By taking a few preventive steps, you can enjoy a cozy, pest-free home as the weather turns cooler. Not sure where to start? Call a pest control professional like Tiger Pride. We can help to treat your home, inside and out, before the pests arrive.