As the leaves change color and the air cools in Manchester, NH, many homeowners enjoy the beauty of the fall season. But for pests, autumn is a time to look for warm and sheltered places to spend the winter. Sadly, they may choose to stay inside your home.
Fall pests can quickly turn cozy evenings into frustrating battles with unwelcome visitors. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can help you protect your home from an infestation before winter arrives. Also, this helps you determine when to seek professional help from experts such as those at anchorpestservices.com. Below are different pests that homeowners usually deal with in spring
Stink Bugs
These shield-shaped bugs are brown or gray. They typically gather on sunny sides of buildings as temperatures drop. They enter homes through cracks around windows, doors, and siding. They don’t bite or damage property, but they give off a foul smell when threatened. To manage stink bugs, you should seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors. Also, use screens on vents and chimneys to prevent them from entering your home. Avoid crushing these bugs; instead, vacuum them up and dispose of the bag. Anchor Pest Services can identify entry points and offer effective solutions to keep stink bugs from making themselves at home.
Mice and Rats
As temperatures drop, rodents seek shelter in basements, attics, and walls. Once inside, they chew on wires, insulation, and food containers. Also, they can spread diseases. In Manchester, older homes with unsealed gaps are especially at risk. Rodents only need a small hole to enter, while mice can squeeze through a space the size of a dime. To prevent rodent problems, seal openings around pipes, vents, and doors. Also, store food in airtight containers. Keep garages and basements clean and clutter-free.
Anchor Pest Services provides rodent inspections and safe removal. Their technicians can also help seal up entry points to prevent rodents from returning.
Spiders
Most spiders in New Hampshire are harmless, but activity can increase in the fall. As these pests search for mates and places to lay eggs, they may appear in quiet areas in your home. Some homeowners may also see more webs and egg sacs during this season. Though spiders help by eating other pests, large numbers indoors can be a sign of an underlying insect problem. To reduce spider activity, remove webs regularly. Also, reduce outdoor lighting that attracts flying insects. Keep closets, basements, and attics free of clutter to make them less appealing to spiders.
Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles
Ladybugs and Asian lady beetles usually gather in large numbers on buildings during fall. They are drawn to light-colored homes and warm surfaces. While they are not harmful, they can become a major nuisance if they get indoors. Asian lady beetles, in particular, can bite and release a yellowish fluid. This fluid can stain walls and smell unpleasant. To keep these bugs outside, seal gaps around windows, doors, and attic vents. Use weather stripping and door sweeps. Also, avoid swatting or crushing them indoors.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants move deeper into walls and wood structures to wait out the winter. If they have already made a nest inside your home, you might not see them often during the colder months. However, they can continuously cause property damage. These ants can hollow out wood to create nesting galleries, which can weaken beams and cause costly repairs. To spot carpenter ants early, watch for small piles of sawdust and listen for faint rustling sounds in walls. Also, pay attention to winged ants appearing indoors. If you think carpenter ants are hiding in your home, Anchor Pest Services can assess the problem and treat the colony before it grows further.
