5 Most Common Fall Pests In Vancouver Washington

The fall season is not without its share of pests. On the contrary, fall is a busy time for certain pests as they sense the winter season approaching. If you notice an increase in pest activity around your home or business it could be any of these most common fall pests in Vancouver Washington.

Ants

Ants are extremely common inside and outside of the home during different seasons of the year. One of their busier seasons is the fall time as they forage for food to get through the winter. They also sense the colder season coming so they will gravitate towards areas of warmth or heat. Ants cannot survive in cold temperatures which is why they become more dormant in the winter as they burrow down deep below the surface, slowing their activity. Once spring arrives they will emerge once again to forage for food and water.

Yellow Jackets

Yellow jackets are scavengers and hunters that stay busy searching for food and water. These sources are plentiful from spring to early fall but as soon as the cold weather hits in Vancouver WA a yellowjacket’s food source becomes scarce making them more aggressive than usual. As the cold winter hits none of the colonies will survive besides the new queen which will burrow deep until she comes out in the spring. Though these pests can be aggressive around the fall season it is also a good sign that they will soon disappear until the new year.

Spiders

Spider activity changes over the seasons. When the fall season hits spiders are on the lookout for potential mates. This is the reason they become more noticeable during this time. In the spring it is more likely to see spider eggs and hatchlings but since that time these pests have been growing to their full maturity and are now ready to mate so the next generation of spiders can have their chance at life. Male spiders usually die after the mating process so the only spiders left until the hatchlings hatch are the females. It may be safe to say that getting rid of spiders during the fall months can potentially affect how many spiders will be around your home come next spring.

Mice

Mice and other rodents are attracted to warmth once the cooler seasons start to hit. They are also aware that food sources will be harder to find in the winter and will look for shelter that is close to a food source. This means that people’s homes become a target for these pests. If they can find a way inside they will most likely make it their new home. Mice do not need much space to squeeze through so it’s important that all cracks and crevices are sealed around the exterior of your home to prevent this from happening. It’s also important to keep pet food stored in sealed containers so that they don’t promote your home as a feasible living space for these pests.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs are very sensitive to cold temperatures. During the fall they search for areas that will protect them over the winter. Sometimes they will even come inside if they can easily find a way in. Until this happens it’s common to see swarms of these pests around your home. Though boxelder bugs are not destructive to your home they can be quite the nuisance and they definitely have an unpleasant smell when they are smashed. Keeping all entries sealed and spraying nearby trees with some dish soap will help deter these pests.

If you are experiencing an increase of fall pests in the Vancouver WA area call your local pest control company to help you get on top of the infestation before it gets out of hand. The quicker this is done the more likely you are to see them disappear.