Your New York Fall Pest Survival Guide: Keep the Creepy Crawlies Out!

Fall in New York is beautiful, but it also means bugs and critters are looking for a warm place to crash. Don't let your home become their winter getaway! This guide will help you keep those pesky fall pests out of your house.

The Usual Suspects: Common Fall Pests

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Let's meet the usual suspects you might find trying to sneak into your home this fall:

• Stink Bugs (Pentatomidae): These little guys might look harmless, but they release a nasty odor when disturbed. You'll often find them sunning themselves on walls before trying to squeeze through any crack they can find.
• Cluster Flies (Pollenia rudis): These slow-moving flies love to hang out in attics and wall voids. On warmer days, they might decide to explore your living space.
• Ladybugs (Coccinellidae): While they're great for the garden, nobody wants a ladybug infestation indoors. They're attracted to light colors and warmth, so keep an eye out for them near windows and light fixtures.
• Spiders (Araneae): As the weather cools, spiders get busy searching for mates and shelter. You might find them building webs in corners, under eaves, or in your basement.
• Rodents: Mice and rats are always looking for food and warmth. In the fall, they might decide your house is the perfect place to set up camp. But don't let them! They can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases.

Keep 'Em Out: Prevention and Exclusion

The best way to deal with pests is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Here are a few tips:

• Seal the Deal: Check your house for any cracks, gaps, or holes, and seal them up with caulk, weatherstripping, or steel wool.
• Screen Check: Make sure your window and door screens are in good shape, and repair or replace any tears or holes.
• Landscaping Love: Trim back any trees or shrubs that are touching your house. These can act as bridges for pests to reach your walls.
• Food Storage Smarts: Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills quickly, and don't leave pet food out overnight.
• Declutter: Clean up fallen leaves, firewood, and other debris around your house to remove potential pest hiding spots.

Where They Like to Hide: Pest Hotspots

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Even with the best prevention, some pests might still find their way in. Here's where they typically like to hang out:

• Attics and Crawlspaces: These dark and secluded spaces are perfect hiding spots for cluster flies, rodents, and some spiders.
• Basements: Damp basements attract spiders, rodents, and other moisture-loving bugs like silverfish.
• Walls and Voids: These spaces can harbor cluster flies, stink bugs, and rodents.
• Kitchens and Pantries: Food sources attract rodents, ants, and other hungry critters.

More Tips to Keep Pests at Bay

• Regularly Inspect: Keep an eye out for signs of pest activity, like droppings, gnaw marks, or webs.
• Call the Pros: If you have a serious pest problem, don't hesitate to call a pest control professional.
• Natural Repellents: Some plants, like lavender and mint, can help repel certain pests.

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can keep your home pest-free and enjoy a cozy fall season in New York!

Sources

• Cornell Cooperative Extension: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you