Top 5 Pests Trying to Sneak Into Your Home This November

November is the time of year when nature starts to slow down just as our lives are speeding up. With the holidays right around the corner, you may have a long To-Do list, and I’m sure it doesn’t include dealing with a pest infestation. A lot of people assume that once summer is over, they won’t have to worry about pests anymore, but the truth is that there are quite a few pests vying for a spot in your home this November. 

All-American Pest Control has put together a list of the top five pests trying to sneak into your home, so you know what to look for and how to keep them out. Through our more than six decades of pest control, these are the pests we see most often in November.

Why November Is Prime Time for Pest Invasions

You might think November would bring a break from pest problems, after all, once the temperatures drop, shouldn’t the bugs and little critters disappear? Unfortunately, not quite! While some pests, like mosquitoes and stinging insects, do fade away in the fall, many others are just getting started on finding a cozy new place to spend the winter.

As the weather cools, pests that stay active year-round start looking for warmth and shelter,  and our homes make the perfect spot. Even pests that go dormant, like boxelder bugs, will often sneak inside to overwinter in walls, attics, or other hidden spaces.

Food and water are also big motivators. Once it gets harder to find those essentials outdoors, pests turn to homes for an easy meal and a steady water source.

And if we’ve had a mild fall? That just keeps the activity going even longer. Some pests that might normally slow down are still on the move, and if they find their way indoors, they may settle in for the season.

1. House Mice and Other Rodents

Rodents, including mice and rats, are most likely to invade your home in the fall. They want a warm place to live through the winter, and it’s a major bonus if they can find a place that also provides food and water. 

Although you might think your house is safe from these (relatively) large pests, think again. Mice can squeeze through an opening as small as a dime, so it doesn’t take a large hole to allow a rodent infestation to develop.

Once inside, rodents can nest in your walls, attic, or basement. They’ll forage for food at dusk and dawn, contaminating your food and putting your family at risk of illness in the process.

Rodents can also cause significant damage in the homes they infest. In addition to leaving their droppings everywhere, they chew on wires, damage pipes, and ruin insulation. They also reproduce quickly, making what starts as a small infestation quite large by the end of winter. It’s best to implement rodent prevention to avoid an infestation.

2. Overwintering Insects Like Stink Bugs and Lady Beetles

Stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs are seasonal pests that migrate to structures in the fall. They gather in large groups on exterior walls on sunny days, then find small gaps and cracks to gain access to the inside of your house.

Once inside, you may see these pests around windows and on your walls. After several days, they’ll disappear from view, giving you the false sense that they’re no longer a problem. In reality, they’ve simply moved into wall voids or into your attic. They’ll overwinter in these areas, then come out again in the spring when the weather warms up.

Although seasonal pests are not typically dangerous to humans and they don’t cause major damage to homes, most of them give off an unpleasant odor when crushed and they can stain fabrics.

3. Spiders Looking for Shelter

Fall is the prime time for spider infestations. As it gets colder outside, many spiders move indoors for shelter, but they also come inside in search of food. Many insects die off in the fall, leaving spiders with a greatly reduced food source. They often come indoors as they follow insects that move inside.

Once inside, you’re likely to find spiders in secluded areas and spots that are rarely disturbed by human traffic. Basements, attics, closets, and the corners of ceilings are all common areas to find spiders.

Most spiders are just a nuisance, but if you end up with brown recluse spiders in your house, you should be aware that these pests have venomous bites.

4. Cockroaches Seeking Warmth and Moisture

Cockroaches move indoors when outdoor conditions deteriorate. They need a lot of moisture, so they're most likely to be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms where there are direct water sources and where humidity tends to be higher.

Roaches carry and spread bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens wherever they go. The chances of getting sick due to contaminated surfaces is high when you end up with cockroaches in your house. They can also trigger allergies in many households.

German cockroaches are especially common in Tennessee homes in the fall. These are the smallest of the common cockroach species, growing to about half an inch long. They are nocturnal, so you’re unlikely to see them out in the open during the day, making it harder to identify an infestation in its early stages.

5. Ants Still Foraging Before Winter

Although ant activity slows at this time of year, if it’s mild enough, you’re still likely to see ants moving around as they gather food to prepare for winter. Ants are foragers, so they often find their way inside while looking for food. 

If your house provides a good food supply and the ants can find a warm place to nest, they may decide to move in rather than staying outdoors. If ants move indoors, they usually nest in wall voids. 

Most ants are nuisance pests, but they can still contaminate your food. Some ants cause other problems by spreading diseases or damaging your house. Carpenter ants chew through wooden structures in your home, causing structural damage over time.

How to Keep November Pests Out of Your Home

If you’d like to avoid a pest infestation this November, take action before they get inside. These pest prevention tips will help you keep your home pest-free:

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation

• Install door sweeps and weatherstripping, and repair damaged screens

• Remove outdoor debris, like leaf piles and firewood, that are near your home

• Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly

• Address leaks, standing water, humidity, and other moisture issues inside and outside

When to Call a Professional Pest Control Service

When is it time to contact All-American Pest Control about November pests? Several things warrant a call to our pest experts.

• If you spot multiple pests or signs of nesting activity in your house

• When DIY methods fail to stop recurring infestations

• If you’re hosting holiday guests and you need peace of mind

• If you want to ensure a pest-free home before an issue occurs

Let All-American Keep Your House Pest-Free This November

Pests are alive and active right now, but you can keep them out of your house with the help of All-American Pest Control. Schedule a fall pest inspection to protect your home this November and get ahead of winter infestations with one of our comprehensive pest prevention plans. We offer green pest control and several home pest control options. Contact us to discuss which option is best for you.

Contact us today to get started.

Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Surrounding Areas

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: Sango, Woodlawn, Cunningham, Palmyra, Southside, Fredonia, Hilldale, Hickory Point, Clarksville, Ashland Hills, New Providence, St. Bethlehem, Needmore, Oakridge, Port Royal, Shady Grove, South Guthrie, Southaven, Dotsonville, Hampton Station, Marion, Rossview, and the entire Montgomery County 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.