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It’s October. Brightly colored leaves, crisp air, and cozy sweaters are out in full force, and so are fall pests. Although there are plenty of pest species that can get into your Hendersonville home in October, some are more active than others. All-American Pest Control has been dealing with fall pests since 1961 and we’re here to share information about the four most common fall pests.
Why October Brings a Surge in Pest Activity
October brings a surge in pest activity for several reasons. First, the cooler weather signals to many pests that it’s time to find warm shelter somewhere other than outdoors. Homes provide a consistent, comfortable temperature where pests can survive the winter.
October’s shorter days also trigger seasonal behaviors for some pests. Stink bugs and boxelder bugs are migratory pests that instinctively look for a warm place to overwinter when the weather turns.
For some pests, October is breeding season. Spiders mate in the fall, so male spiders are more active than at other times of year as they search for female spiders. This makes them more visible to humans and more likely to wander into homes.
Spiders in October
As we just mentioned, spider activity hits its peak in October, and that’s partly because it’s their mating season. But that’s not the only reason you might notice more spiders hanging around this time of year. As the temperatures drop, spiders start moving inside looking for warmth. One of the biggest reasons they end up in your home, though, is because their food is doing the same thing.
Spiders eat bugs, and they go wherever their next meal takes them. During the summer, there’s plenty for them to eat outside, so they tend to stay put, unless a sudden storm or heat wave drives them indoors. Once fall rolls around, though, many insects start to die off or move inside for shelter. Naturally, the spiders follow right behind.
So, where are you most likely to spot them around your home?
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In the corners of ceilings
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In the basement
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In damp spots like bathrooms
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In cluttered storage areas
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Near porch lights that attract bugs
Most of the spiders you’ll find inside are harmless houseguests (even if they’re a little creepy to look at). However, there’s always a chance of seeing a brown recluse. These spiders prefer to stay hidden and far away from people, but they can still sneak indoors and settle into quiet, tucked-away spaces. If you accidentally come across one, a bite can be venomous and may require medical attention, so it’s always best to be cautious.
Stink Bugs in October
Stink bugs are grayish-brown pests with shield-shaped bodies. The shorter days of October signal to stink bugs that it’s time to seek warm shelter for the winter. They gather by the hundreds on sunny exterior walls during the day, and tend to prefer light-colored siding.
Once on your outside walls, stink bugs get inside by exploiting small cracks and gaps in siding and around windows and doors. You’ll see them in your living areas for several days as they look for a secluded area where they can overwinter. Typically, they end up in your attic or wall voids, where they’ll spend the winter. They’ll then reemerge in the spring and make their way back outside.
Stink bugs aren’t dangerous, but they do live up to their name. When they feel threatened, or when they’re crushed, they emit a very unpleasant odor that can linger for hours.
Boxelder Bugs in October
Boxelder bugs are similar to stink bugs in that they are migratory pests that overwinter in homes. They have long, black, oval-shaped bodies with orange or red markings along the edges of their wings. Like stink bugs, they cluster on south- and west-facing walls in October, especially on sunny days.
Once indoors, they’ll look for a secluded space to spend the winter. Wall voids and attic spaces are common areas for boxelder bugs to infest. When the weather starts to warm up again in late winter or early spring, boxelder bugs will reemerge and head back outdoors.
These pests don’t sting or bite and are not considered dangerous. They are nuisance pests that can stain fabrics, but the main problem with them is the large number that can get into your house.
Ants Still Active in Fall
We think of ants as spring and summer pests, but they’re still active in the fall. Ants don’t die off in winter; they simply enter a state called diapause that is similar to hibernation. However, if an ant colony finds its way into a warm home, they won’t go dormant for the winter. Instead, they’ll remain active, scouting for food in your kitchen and living somewhere safe and warm, likely in your walls.
The trouble with ants is that while some species are just a nuisance, others can be dangerous. All ant species can contaminate your food, but some are known for spreading diseases. Others, like carpenter ants, are well-known for the property damage they cause. If you end up with a carpenter ant infestation in your house, they will chew through wood, damaging structural components of your house over time.
Prevention Tips for October’s Top Pests
There are plenty of reasons to want to keep October’s top pests out of your Tennessee home. Peace of mind, avoiding getting sick, and stopping damage are just a few of those reasons. How can you be certain that you won’t have to deal with pests this fall? Start by putting some preventative measures in place. By making it harder for pests to find their way inside, and by removing the things that attract pests to your house in the first place, you’ll help avoid an infestation.
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Seal entry points in siding, vents, and foundations
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Maintain your yard by clearing debris, cutting back foliage, and minimizing excess moisture
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Reduce lighting around doors and windows or install yellow bug-deterring lights
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Store food securely, clean up food messes, take out the trash, and vacuum often
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Remove clutter from your house, especially in little-used storage areas
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Schedule a fall perimeter treatment
Although doing your own DIY pest prevention is an important part of pest control, it’s not enough on its own to fully protect your house. For the best protection, combine it with All-American’s Perimeter Plus pest control. Our service creates a protective barrier around your home, stopping pests before they get inside. We’ll also take care of any pests that have already gotten indoors, ensuring your house is pest-free this October and into the winter. Contact us to get started today.
Your Trusted Nashville, TN Pest Control Experts
Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.
We proudly serve: Adams, Ashburn, Barren Plains, Bethpage, Bransford, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Coopertown, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Madison, Millersville, Orlinda, Pleasentville, Portland, Ridgetop, Springfield, Westmoreland, White House, and the entire Robertson County, Sumner Country and Greater Nashville areas.
For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All-American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or Schedule a Free Consultation online.