Keep your home pest-free this fall with our help at Titan Pest & Wildlife Control today.
As vibrant autumn leaves paint Missouri’s landscape, they bring an unwanted side effect: an invasion of pests seeking winter shelter in our homes. From basement-dwelling rodents to attic-loving insects, these unwelcome guests become increasingly active as temperatures drop.
At Titan Pest & Wildlife Control, we can help. Call us at (314) 720-8857 today or visit our contact form.
Rodents: Mice and Rats
- Why They Invade: Rodents are notorious fall invaders. As temperatures drop, mice and rats search for warmer environments, often finding attics, basements, and kitchens perfect sanctuaries.
- Signs of Infestation: Homeowners might notice droppings, gnaw marks on food packaging, scratching noises, or small holes in walls. Mice and rats are prolific breeders, so a few individuals can quickly become a more extensive infestation if not addressed.
- Health and Property Risks: Rodents carry diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella and can cause structural damage by chewing on wires, which increases fire risks.
Spiders
- Common Species in Missouri: Some of Missouri’s common indoor spiders include house, wolf, and the potentially dangerous brown recluse spider.
- Why They Enter Homes: Fall is mating season for many spiders, making them more visible as they search for mates. Cooler weather also drives them indoors, where they find warmth and a steady food supply of insects.
- Identifying Spider Activity: Homeowners may spot webs in undisturbed areas, such as basements, corners, and closets, or occasionally see a spider itself.
- Health Concerns: While most spiders are harmless, the brown recluse bite can require medical attention, so identification and control are essential.
Cockroaches
- Species to Watch For: German and American cockroaches are the most common in Missouri homes.
- Seasonal Behavior: Cockroaches are resilient pests that look for warm, moist environments to survive the colder months. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements provide ideal settings.
- Signs of an Infestation: Seeing cockroaches during the day often suggests a significant infestation. Other signs include musty odors, small droppings, and egg cases.
- Risks and Control: Cockroaches carry pathogens that can cause food poisoning, asthma triggers, and allergies, making professional treatment essential for thorough control.
Boxelder Bugs
- Why They Seek Shelter: Boxelder bugs, known for their black and orange coloring, are a common fall nuisance. As the weather cools, they search for warm places to overwinter, often ending up in wall voids and attics.
- A Nuisance but Not a Threat: While they don’t bite or carry disease, large numbers can stain surfaces with droppings, emit an unpleasant odor, and become a significant annoyance.
- Preventative Measures: Boxelder bugs can enter through even the tiniest cracks, so sealing entry points is helpful, but due to their persistence, many homeowners turn to professional pest control.
Asian Lady Beetles
- Lookalikes with a Twist: Asian ladybeetles resemble the common ladybug but differ in behavior. During fall, they cluster around warm walls and eventually enter indoors.
- Problems Caused: In large numbers, Asian lady beetles emit a foul odor, can stain walls and fabrics, and may even bite, making them an unpleasant fall visitor.
- Professional Removal: When infestations grow, professional pest control can manage and prevent the seasonal return of these beetles.
Stink Bugs
- Fall Behavior: The brown marmorated stink bug is well-known for seeking shelter indoors in the fall. They are particularly attracted to light-colored homes and warm, sunlit areas.
- Signs of Infestation: If a stink bug finds its way inside, more will likely follow, clustering on walls or windows.
- Nuisance and Odor: When disturbed, stink bugs emit a distinctive, unpleasant odor, making professional removal the most effective way to keep them out.
Crickets
- Basement Invaders: House and field crickets are active in Missouri during the fall. As temperatures cool, they move indoors, drawn to basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
- Noisy Nuisance: While crickets don’t pose health risks, their constant chirping can be bothersome, especially if they enter living areas.
- Potential Damage: Crickets can damage fabrics, carpets, and wallpaper. Preventative measures are vital in keeping them out, especially in older homes with cracks and gaps.
The Importance of Professional Fall Pest Control
Fall pest problems can quickly escalate if left unaddressed, turning minor nuisances into larger infestations that last through the winter. Here’s why professional pest control makes a difference:
- Comprehensive Inspections: Trained professionals can identify vulnerable areas in your home where pests are most likely to enter and suggest customized solutions for lasting protection.
- Safe, Effective Treatments: DIY pest control methods may be ineffective against persistent fall pests. Professional pest control uses safe, targeted treatments to eliminate pests without harming people or pets.
- Seasonal Prevention Plans: Pest control isn’t a one-time fix; each season brings different pest challenges. Wonders can develop a seasonal prevention plan that adapts to the shifting pest landscape by working with pest control experts.
Take Action This Fall
Don’t wait for a minor pest problem to become a major infestation. Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions offers comprehensive pest control services tailored to Missouri’s unique challenges. Contact Titan Pest & Wildlife Solutions today to schedule your fall pest inspection and ensure your home stays comfortable and pest-free throughout the season.
