Fall in Arizona is more than just cooler breezes and golden hues; it’s also the season where we say goodbye to the dense concentration of summer pests, and hello to some new fall pests. As you gear up for the beauty of fall, make sure you give some thought to the bugs and critters that are feeling the chill and thinking about how to move in with you.
Read on as we guide you through the pests you should be on the lookout for so you can stay safe and pest-free this fall.
5 Arizona Fall Pests to Look Out For
1. Insects & Other Crawlies
Summer is synonymous with insects, but they don’t all disappear the moment September rolls around. When the weather cools, they start looking for warm places to call home, and our homes certainly look good to them.
Crickets have been particularly bad in recent years and will move inside if they have the chance. Make sure your door sweeps and weatherstripping are in good repair to keep these noisy insects out.
Ants are on the way out in Fall, but they will keep an eye out for food they can take and store to keep them going through the winter. Make sure you stay vigilant about leaving out food and put leftovers in air-tight containers.
Scorpions won’t get in your way on purpose, but they like the warm weather and will seek shelter when things get cool. Be vigilant when rearranging things in sheds and garages, and try not to leave organic debris close to the house.
2. Rodents
Mice, rats, and even squirrels are keen to seek shelter as the air cools, and they’ll make a nest to see them right through until spring if you give them half a chance. They’ll be interested in cozy corners in your garage, shed, attic, or crawlspace, and will even go in your walls or car. If you are storing a car for long periods, make sure you keep it in a rodent-proof garage or check it regularly for intruders. They can cause quite a lot of damage chewing wires they shouldn’t, so don’t neglect this tip!
3. Termites
Termites are a problem year-round in Arizona, so you should always be on the lookout for these potentially devastating insects. That said, subterranean and drywood termites can be active at this time of year, especially around your foundation. If you see any sawdust, mud tubes, or any other unexplained dust, get an inspection so the problem can be taken care of before it’s too late.
4. Spiders and Tarantulas
Spiders are generally our friends because they eat so many pests we don’t want roaming our homes, but that doesn’t mean that an encounter with one isn’t any less terrifying. At this time of year, black widows and brown recluse spiders are the venomous spiders you may encounter in your home since they like dark, undisturbed spaces, such as blankets you’ve been storing since winter.
Tarantulas are undeniably scary, but they’re actually docile unless threatened. They are more active in the fall because they’re mating, so leave them be unless you see a lot of them close to your home. If you see one too many, give us a call and we’ll ensure you aren’t overrun.
5. Snakes
Snakes aren’t often something we consider a pest, but the cooler weather does mean they’re starting to think about finding somewhere to spend the winter. Stay alert when working in the yard and seal any openings to your home or outbuildings.
Stay Pest-Free This Fall
Pumpkin spice and autumnal leaves abound, fall is certainly a season to get excited about. The good news is that with just a little preparation, you can ensure your home and property stays pest-free, and you can enjoy the cooler seasons without giving a second thought to the pests outside.
If you suspect you have pests already in or around your home, or you are worried about them making an unexpected visit, we can help. We can quickly identify any potential problems and solve them for you before any damage is done. Contact us to book your free home inspection today, to put your mind at rest.