The Arrival Of Fall Promotes More Pest Problems

Fall is in full swing in the Nashville area which means the trees are turning beautiful colors, the air is cooler and the days are getting a bit shorter.  Fall is also the time of year when we as homeowners need to start thinking about fall pests. Not only are fall pests a nuisance to deal with, many have plans to spend the entire winter in our homes. This makes prevention of these pests crucial to maintaining a pest free home now and throughout the year.

To help Nashville homeowners protect themselves against fall pests, the experts at All-American Pest Control want to provide information about some common fall pests, along with how to prevent them from getting into Nashville homes. 

Three of the most common pests that Nashville homeowners run into in the fall include stink bugs, Asian lady beetles, and boxelder bugs. They all can invade your home in large numbers looking for a warm, safe place to overwinter in. They are capable of staining walls, carpets, and upholstery, if stepped-on, squished or crushed.

• Stink Bugs- As their name suggests they emit a very strong, unpleasant odor from underneath their abdomen when they are squished or feel threatened.  They are not a native species to the U.S. but were introduced from Asia in 1996.  They are considered to be an agriculture pest during the warm months.

• Asian Lady Beetles- You may want to call these bugs lady bugs, but they are in fact not lady bugs.  Their body shape looks very similar but are more orange in color, can have none or many black spots, and have a distinctive “W” mark on the back of their head. 

• Boxelder Bugs- These types of bugs can be found during the warm months invading and feeding on trees like maple, ash, and seed-bearing boxelder trees in mass quantities.  When the weather cools they will take their masses inside.  They are black in color with reddish-orange trim around their body and red wings. 

These fall pests, along with others like spiders and rodents, can cause major headaches for homeowners, and if not properly dealt with can lead to major pest problems in your home year-round.

As a homeowner the best way to stop a pest problem is to make changes around your home to ensure that they don’t have easy access into it.  Pest exclusion tips include:

• Inspect your home’s foundation, seal any cracks or crevices that are found.

• Look at your home's siding and exterior walls for areas of damage where pests can enter into your home.

• Caulk any gaps found around exterior windows and doors; make sure that exterior doors are equipped with door sweeps.

• Check the screens found in your windows and doors. If there are any tears or rips present, repair or replace the screens.

• Check your roof line for holes or gaps and replace any missing or broken roof shingles.

• Make sure that your home’s chimney has a tight fitting cap on it.

• Trim back trees and bushes away from your home.  Overgrown landscaping can provide easy access to your home. 

The above tips, along with professional pest control services, can greatly reduce the chance of your home becoming the newest hang-out for fall pests.  All-American's Perimeter Pest Control services provide you with thorough exterior treatments that prevent over 47 different pests, and interior services to control pests when absolutely necessary. 

By working together, Nashville homeowners and All-American Pest Control can make sure that as the weather cools, fall pests will not be choosing your home to invade.