You may think of spring and summer, when the Louisville outdoors is teeming with life of all kinds, as the prime time for pests to invade. Animals are being born, insects are re-emerging, and wildlife is more active. It’s true that pest infestations can and do occur in spring and summer, but did you know that fall in Louisville often poses an even greater threat of a pest infestation?

In autumn the weather cools considerably and food sources begin to diminish. Wildlife of all kinds must prepare for winter in order to survive until spring. That means they’ll start looking in earnest for a warm place to live that also provides some source of food. While sheds and garages sometimes do the trick, houses are often a much better source for these animals’ needs.

Below we’ll discuss some of the pests you might find trying to get into your home this fall and how to prevent them from doing so.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs in Louisville are black with distinct red markings around their thorax and wings. They grow up to ½ an inch in length and, as their name indicates, are often found on or near boxelder trees.

In the fall, boxelder bugs will congregate on the sunny sides of houses where it’s warmer. If they can find a way inside, they’ll take it. For most of the fall and winter, they’ll remain hidden in wall voids and between floors, but if there is a particularly warm winter day, they’ll come out thinking it’s time to head outside again. This is when they become a nuisance. You’ll find large quantities of them around windows and doors, and while they’re out in the open, they can stain upholstery or curtains with their feces.

Lady Beetles

Commonly known as ladybugs, lady beetles are red, orange, or yellow and often, but not always, have black spots. Like boxelder bugs, when the weather cools, lady beetles will gather on the warm side of homes and make their way inside.

Although they are not harmful, lady beetles in Louisville can become a big nuisance when enough of them get into your home.

Wildlife

While boxelder bugs and lady beetles are annoying but pose no serious threat to your home or family, other types of pests are a different story.

Mice, rats, squirrels, bats, raccoons, and even skunks may look for warm lodging in the winter. If they get into your house, whether it be in the basement, attic, floors, or wall voids, you are in for some major problems.

These animals can damage your home by chewing through walls, insulation, and beams, potentially causing structural damage. They can chew on wiring, creating a fire hazard. They can carry diseases that can be transmitted to the people and pets in your home. They contaminate your home with their urine and feces. They also can bring other pests into your house, such as fleas and ticks.

Pest Prevention Tips

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent nuisance pests and wildlife from entering your Louisville home this fall.

• Check around your foundation and outside walls for cracks, holes, or gaps, including around windows and doors. Seal all holes that you find, even the small ones.
• Cap your chimney and cover any vents on your house.
• Don’t leave obvious food sources, such as pet food or bird feeders, outside.
• Keep your lawn tidy and the grass cut to reduce hiding areas.
• Cut back branches that are close to your home to prevent easy access to the roof.
• Cover outdoor garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Indoors, keep clutter to a minimum to reduce hiding areas, especially in basements and attics.
• Keep food stored in covered containers or in the refrigerator.
• Clean up spills, messes, and crumbs frequently.
• Take out the garbage on a regular basis.

The Best Prevention

As was mentioned earlier, pest invasions can be a problem in Louisville at any time of year. In order to prevent boxelder bugs, lady beetles, wildlife, and a host of other pests from getting inside and wreaking havoc, the best prevention comes with year-round pest protection provided by Action Pest Control. We can stop infestations before they start, as well as eliminate problems that have already begun. For more information about our residential pest control options, give us a call today.