Fall is here and it brings with it cooler weather, autumn leaves, and a reprieve from the relentless onslaught of flies and bugs that annoy us all summer long. Or does it?While you can certainly head outside without worrying about getting bitten by a mosquito as we get past Halloween, fall brings with it its own set of pest-related challenges. So, what can you expect as an Arizona homeowner?
How the Fall Weather Affects Bug Problems
Outside Bugs Become Inside Bugs
Perhaps the biggest problem with the onset of fall where your bug problems are concerned is that the cooler weather prompts outside bugs to seek shelter. While we’re enjoying doing yard work without sweating and pulling on our favorite sweaters, spiders, scorpions, and roaches think about how they can do the same.There’s nothing more unpleasant than opening a box in the garage or, worse, unfolding a cozy blanket in the winter only to find a brown recluse spider or a bark scorpion looks about as happy to see you as you are to see it.You can’t blame them-it’s getting chilly out there, but you’ve got to do your part to ensure they can’t get inside in the first place (more on this shortly).
Remember Fall Isn’t Winter
Remember that fall weather isn’t always consistent, we often get hot and humid days, even after cooler weather. Make sure that the arrival of fall doesn’t lull you into a false sense of security-sure, leaving a door or window open may seem like a relaxing way to get some fresh air into the house, but you may also let in some late mosquitos or other pests that will stick around for as long as they can.
Spiders Multiply
The odd spider isn’t the worst thing to have in your house, especially if the odd fly finds its way inside, too. However, the arrival of fall also marks the beginning of mating season for spiders, meaning that one little spider in the corner of the room one night might turn into one spider and 50 baby spiders by the next morning. That’s enough to make even the most spider-friendly of us shiver!
How Do I Keep My Arizona Home Pest-Free in Fall?
Here are our top tips to help you keep your Arizona home pest-free this fall:
●Clear up yard debris, especially anything in easy reach of your house, garage, or any workshops you use regularly
●Check the exterior of your home for any obvious entry points, such as worn-out door sweeps, window and door screens, vent screens, gaps in siding
●If you use a wood-fired stove, make sure your woodpile is more than 20 feet away from the house (you’ll still likely find spiders in your wood pile, but at least they’re less likely to venture into your home!)
●Trim back foliage against the house so there are a few inches of space, especially in areas near an entrance (a bush near the door you leave open while the dog goes to the bathroom should be a focus point)
The best way to protect your home as the seasons change is to have an expert inspect your property and ensure you’re not setting yourself up for an infestation.This goes double for older homes that may develop more cracks and crevices than brand new homes. We offer free home inspections, so you have nothing to lose by having us check your property over before winter comes. Request your free inspection or find out more here.
