Fall Pest Alert: 7 Common Pests in the Boston Area
As the leaves start to change and the temperatures drop in Boston, homeowners should be aware of the seasonal shift that brings more than just cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes. Fall is a prime time for pests to invade homes in search of warmth and shelter. Here’s a detailed rundown of the most common fall pests you might encounter in the Boston area, along with practical prevention tips, signs of infestation, and when to call in the professionals.
1. Rodents (Mice and Rats)
As the weather cools, rodents such as house mice and Norway rats look for places to nest. These pests can squeeze through tiny openings, making them a common problem for many homes in the Boston area. Their ability to reproduce quickly means that a small infestation can become a big problem in a short amount of time.
Signs of Infestation
- Droppings in drawers, cabinets, and along walls.
- Gnaw marks on food packages or furniture.
- Nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
Why They’re Active in Fall
As temperatures drop, rodents like house mice and Norway rats begin searching for warmth and shelter. They instinctively seek out insulated spaces in homes to escape the cold, making attics, basements, and even walls prime targets. Additionally, the availability of food sources becomes more limited outdoors, prompting them to invade homes where they can find easy access to food. Learn more about why you are finding rodents in your home.
Prevention Tips
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and holes in walls. Use caulk or steel wool to seal these entry points. Learn more about rat and mouse exclusion measures.
- Food Storage: Keep food stored in airtight containers and regularly clean up spills and crumbs. Ensure that pet food is also stored securely.
- Outdoor Maintenance: Trim shrubs and trees away from the house, and keep wood piles elevated and away from the foundation to reduce hiding spots.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice signs of a rodent infestation, such as nests or droppings, it's time to contact a pest control professional. They can help assess the situation and implement effective traps or baiting strategies. Learn how to get rid of rats.
2. Boxelder Bugs
Boxelder bugs are commonly found in the Boston area during the fall. They often invade homes in large numbers, seeking warmth as temperatures drop. Although they do not cause damage and are harmless, their presence can be annoying, especially if they gather in groups around windows and doors.
Signs of Infestation
- Finding large groups of bugs on sunny sides of your home.
- Presence of shed skins and droppings around windowsills.
Why They’re Active in Fall
Boxelder bugs are particularly drawn to the warmth of homes as fall approaches. As nights become cooler, these bugs search for shelter to survive the winter. They are attracted to sunny areas of your home, often congregating on the south and west-facing sides to soak up the sun. Their large numbers can quickly become a nuisance as they cluster in these warm spots.
Prevention Tips
- Seal Entry Points: Close off entry points by caulking cracks around windows and doors. Ensure screens are intact and fit properly.
- Vacuum Removal: If they do enter your home, use a vacuum cleaner to remove them. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag afterward to prevent them from escaping back into your home.
- Insecticides: If necessary, apply insecticides around your home in early fall to prevent their entry.
When to Call a Professional
If boxelder bugs become overwhelming, a pest control expert can provide targeted treatments to reduce their numbers.
3. Cluster Flies
Cluster flies are a nuisance as they seek warmth in homes during the cooler months. They often gather in attics and around windows. While they don’t pose a threat to health, their sheer numbers can create an unsightly mess.
Signs of Infestation
- Finding clusters of flies in warm areas of your home, especially in the attic or on sunny windowsills.
- Increased buzzing noise, especially in quiet areas of the house.
Why They’re Active in Fall
Cluster flies, which often resemble house flies, become active in the fall as they seek out warmer locations to hibernate for the winter. They are attracted to homes that have ample sunlight, making attics and sunny windows ideal spots for them to gather. As the weather cools, their instinct to find shelter drives them indoors, where they can easily enter through cracks and crevices.
Prevention Tips
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home for cracks around windows, doors, and vents, and seal them to prevent flies from entering.
- Install Screens: Use screens on open windows and vents to keep flies out.
- Vacuum Regularly: Regularly clean areas where cluster flies are likely to gather to reduce their numbers.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice an overwhelming number of cluster flies, it might be best to consult a pest control service to address the issue effectively.
4. Spiders
With the change in seasons, you may notice an increase in spider activity as they look for places to lay their eggs. Common spiders in Boston include the house spider and the wolf spider. While many spiders are beneficial and help control other pest populations, some can bite if provoked, making their presence a concern for homeowners.
Signs of Infestation
- Webs in corners, particularly in less trafficked areas.
- Sightings of spiders, especially during the evening when they are more active.
Why They’re Active in Fall
Many spider species are more noticeable in the fall as they look for warm places to lay their eggs. As temperatures drop, spiders instinctively search for sheltered spots to avoid the cold and wind. This increased visibility often leads to more encounters with homeowners, especially in corners and less-frequented areas of the house. Additionally, with other insects becoming more active indoors, spiders may follow in search of food.
Prevention Tips
- Declutter: Keep your home tidy and free from clutter to eliminate hiding spots for spiders. Pay special attention to attics and basements.
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly clean corners, baseboards, and outdoor areas to remove webs and egg sacs.
- Seal Openings: Inspect and seal any openings around your home, including gaps in windows and doors.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a significant spider problem or find venomous species (like the brown recluse or black widow), it's wise to contact a pest control expert.
5. Ants
Ants, particularly pavement ants and carpenter ants, can become a problem in the fall as they prepare for winter. They often invade homes in search of food and water, and their presence can indicate larger issues, especially if carpenter ants are involved.
Signs of Infestation
- Trails of ants leading to food sources or nesting areas.
- Seeing large ants, particularly carpenter ants, inside your home.
Why They’re Active in the Fall
Ants, particularly pavement ants and carpenter ants, become more aggressive in the fall as they prepare for winter. As food sources outside dwindle, they venture indoors to find sustenance. Their colonies may send out foragers to seek out crumbs and other food sources, making kitchens and pantries prime targets. Carpenter ants, in particular, may seek out moist, decaying wood to establish nests inside homes. Learn more about why you might have ants in your kitchen.
Prevention Tips
- Food Management: Keep food sealed and store pet food properly. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly.
- Outdoor Maintenance: Trim back trees and shrubs from your home to reduce access.
- Baits and Traps: Use ant baits and traps around entry points to control any existing populations.
When to Call a Professional
If you’re unable to control the ant population or suspect carpenter ants, which can damage wood structures, it’s essential to consult a pest control professional. Learn more about getting rid of ants.
6. Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common problem for homeowners in the Boston area, especially as the weather cools and they seek warmth inside homes. Roaches are notorious for being difficult to eliminate once they infest a home, as they can hide in cracks, behind appliances, and within walls. These pests are not just unsightly but also pose health risks, as they can spread bacteria and allergens.
Signs of Infestation
- Seeing roaches, particularly at night when they are most active.
- Finding droppings that resemble pepper grains or brown smears near food sources, along baseboards, or in dark areas.
- A musty, unpleasant odor in your home, especially in areas where roaches are hiding.
Why They’re Active in the Fall
Cockroaches are known to thrive in warm, humid environments, making them active year-round. However, in the fall, their behavior changes slightly as the cooler weather drives them to seek shelter inside homes. As temperatures drop, cockroaches will invade homes in search of warmth, food, and moisture, which are easier to find indoors. With fall's shorter days and cooler nights, cockroaches are more likely to venture inside to escape the elements, especially in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms where humidity levels are higher.
Prevention Tips
- Cleanliness: Roaches are attracted to food and water sources. Regularly clean kitchen counters, sweep up crumbs, and wipe down surfaces. Keep food sealed in airtight containers and avoid leaving dishes in the sink overnight.
- Seal Entry Points: Roaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps. Check your home for cracks in walls, around windows, and under doors, and seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
- Eliminate Water Sources: Roaches need water to survive, so fix any leaks in pipes, faucets, or appliances. Keep areas like the bathroom and kitchen dry, especially at night.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice a significant roach problem or signs of an infestation, it's important to call a pest control professional. Roaches can reproduce quickly, and their ability to hide in hard-to-reach places makes them difficult to eliminate without expert intervention. Learn how to get rid of roaches.
7. Stinging Insects
While many stinging insects are more active in the summer, fall is a time when yellow jackets and wasps begin to invade homes as they search for food before winter. Be cautious around areas where they nest, as stinging insects can become aggressive if provoked. Learn how to identify the most common stinging insects.
Signs of Infestation
- Seeing wasps or yellow jackets flying near your home.
- Discovering a nest in your eaves, trees, or other sheltered areas.
Why They’re Active in Fall
Stinging insects like yellow jackets and wasps are especially active in the fall as they gather food to sustain their colonies before winter. As the weather cools, these insects become more aggressive in their search for sugary foods and protein sources. This behavior often leads them to human activities, especially outdoor dining areas and trash cans. They may also invade homes if they find gaps or openings, seeking shelter as their natural food sources become scarcer.
Prevention Tips
- Remove Food Sources: Keep outdoor dining areas clean and remove garbage promptly. Avoid leaving food outdoors, especially sweet foods.
- Nest Removal: If you spot a nest near your home, avoid disturbing it. Contact a pest control professional for safe removal.
Here are six natural ways to keep away hornets and wasps.
When to Call a Professional
If you discover a nest on your property or experience repeated encounters with stinging insects, it’s best to call in the experts for safe and effective removal.
Final Thoughts
As a Boston homeowner, staying vigilant about seasonal pests can save you time and money in the long run. By understanding which pests are most common in the fall and taking preventive measures, you can protect your home from infestations. Remember that early intervention is key; if you notice signs of pests or have concerns about an infestation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pest exterminators at Clancy Brothers Pest Control for customized service. Contact our team today!