Living in a wooded area can be peaceful and beautiful. But it can also create some interesting challenges when it comes to pest control. If you live next to nature, you may notice unwanted houseguests as the days and nights grow colder.

Fall pest control is important to keep those unwelcome pests away. Leaf piles, branches and twigs, and woodpiles near your house are inviting sources of food and shelter for many pests. Do you live in a wooded area in the greater Spokane area? Here are some fall bugs and vermin that may try to overwinter in your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches love the fallen leaves in your yard. And like us, a warm house with plenty of food begins to look like a good plan as winter approaches. Often cockroaches arrive just in time for the holidays. They easily slip through cracks and gaps around doors, windows and foundations.

Once inside, your kitchen is an ideal location to take up residence. Since they are nocturnal, you may not realize cockroaches have arrived. Switching on a light at night may be your first encounter with them. And if you see one, there are definitely more. Cockroaches are highly social and live in nesting communities.

Stink Bugs

The stink bug population has been on the increase in the Spokane area. They are best known as an agricultural pest, but they happily live in wooded areas. Since they often go dormant in winter, stink bugs move into safe, warm homes during the fall. You may find them exploring the walls or floors in your house.

Though they are not harmful to people or pets, stink bugs will emit an unpleasant odor when crushed or feeling threatened. Torn screens and small cracks around windows make entry easy for these insects.

Rodents

Mice and rats are a common problem in the fall — especially if you live in a wooded area. As nighttime temperatures drop, rodents move in. Basements, attics, behind appliances and inside walls are usual nesting sites.

Like cockroaches, they are nocturnal. You may hear them scurrying about in your kitchen at night, but usually the problem is identified by their droppings. Rodent droppings in drawers, cupboards and pantries are typical. In addition to their nuisance behavior, rodents can also pose health risks to you and your family.

If you are worried about fall pests in your home, schedule an appointment with us for a free inspection and service estimate. Contact Eden Advanced Pest Technologies today!