Getting Ahead Of Fall Pest Problems In Maine
There are still a couple of weeks to go before it’s officially fall but already daylight is decreasing, Pumpkin Spice is back at Dunkin’, and the kids have returned to school. Yes, the leaf-peeping season is almost upon us and already we’ve noticed more “fall pests” kicking around. You know it won’t be long before these home-infesting insects and rodents are trying to get inside. If you want to spend the winter without freeloaders in the attic, basement, or on any level in between, keep on reading!
Common fall pests in central and coastal Maine
Earwigs
Earwigs are not fans of cold weather and will sneak indoors when fall arrives in order to find suitable shelter for the winter season. They creep in under doors and around gaps in windows and will use any crack or gap in the foundation to get inside and are frequently found in bathrooms and other areas where there is moisture. Considered a nuisance pest, they are a bit intimidating with their big pinchers but are not a threat to health or property.
Silverfish
Another overwintering pest in Maine that starts showing up during the fall months is the silverfish. Aptly named, these bugs have fish-like qualities including scaly bodies and movements that are similar to how a fish swims. Since silverfish prefer warm, humid environments, they are not suited to outdoor living in Maine, at least not during the second half of the year. When the temps start to drop these nuisance pests move indoors to find a place to call home for the winter. As is the case with earwigs, they use existing openings as a means to get inside.
Spiders
Thankfully in Maine, we don’t have to worry too much about venomous spiders but you can rest assured that they will be glad to spend the winter months inside your home. In fact, there’s a good chance they’re already inside and will remain there the rest of the year. Though they are nuisance pests that aren’t capable of damaging property, their presence in your house is an indication that you likely have bugs already active inside. Since they prey on other insects and build their webs where the eating is good, you can pretty much count on these eight-legged pests to be a fall pest problem for you.
Carpenter ants
Though carpenter ant activity diminishes in the winter months, these wood-destroying ants will work hard right up until the cold weather prevents them from going on. They may overwinter outside, but there’s also a chance these large black ants could “hibernate” inside your home and will start heading indoors during the fall months. Over the winter, they remain dormant but on an unseasonably warm day, you could find a carpenter ant or two wandering about your home.
Mice
You’re probably not surprised to find mice on the list of fall pests and truth be told they make the list every season. During the fall though when it’s growing colder, mice are more likely to invade in order to build nests in what they might consider luxurious locations such as in the attic, basement, garage, or even behind walls and overhead in ceilings.
As you may have already surmised, mice are a significant threat to homes and the families that live within. Not only are they destructive – contaminating insulation with their urine and feces and chewing on electrical wires and belongings – they have the potential to introduce illness.
Mice also squeeze through gaps on the exterior of the house in order to get inside and may also slip under garage doors or crawl up the side of the house to access a hole in the roofline.
Get ahead of fall pest problems with these prevention tips
If you’d rather not share your home with pests come fall, we recommend taking action now. To keep insects and rodents out of your house, here are a few pest prevention tips to try:
Install door sweeps
Seal every single crack, gap, and opening on the exterior of your home
Install vent covers
Fill in spots around utility pipes, wires, and cables
Fix moisture issues throughout the house
Trim back tree branches and shrubs so they don’t touch the siding or roof
Keep firewood up off the ground and at least 20 feet from the home – DO NOT store firewood inside
Replace water-damaged wood
Repair leaks including leaking appliances
The best way to prevent fall pests is to sign up for year-round home pest control
That’s right, folks! If you want a surefire way to stop insects and rodents from not only entering but staying, consider signing up for a home pest control plan with Advanced Pest Solutions. Offering effective and affordable pest control services in Augusta, Manchester, and Boothbay Harbor as well as throughout our central and coastal Maine service area, our locally owned and operated company is ready to help you eliminate existing pest activity and stop pests from infesting this fall and all year-round. Reach out today to request a pest control estimate!