Common Fall Pests in Alabama and How You Can Prevent Them

As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the cooler, crisp air of fall in Alabama, pests start to behave differently. With falling temperatures and shorter days, many insects and critters look for shelter and food sources, often invading homes and gardens. Understanding which pests are active during the autumn months can help you stay one step ahead and protect your property from infestations.

Rodents

Fall is prime time for rodents like mice and rats to seek warmth and shelter. These pests can enter through the smallest cracks or openings in walls, basements, or attics. Once inside, they chew through wires, insulation, and wood, creating significant damage. Additionally, rodents can spread diseases through their droppings and urine, posing health risks to your family.

Prevention Tips

• Seal any cracks or holes in the exterior of your home.
• Keep firewood stacked at least 20 feet away from your home.
• Store food in sealed containers, and don’t leave pet food out overnight.

Stink Bugs

Stink bugs become more noticeable in the fall as they prepare to overwinter. While they don’t pose direct harm to humans, their presence indoors can be annoying. When disturbed, they emit a foul odor, which is a defense mechanism that can linger in your home.

Prevention Tips

• Seal entry points like window cracks, vents, and chimneys.
• Use mesh screens on windows and doors.
• Vacuum stink bugs if you see them, but be careful not to crush them indoors.

Spiders

Fall is mating season for many spiders, which means they become more visible as they seek out warm, dry places to lay eggs. While most spiders found in Alabama are harmless, a few species, such as the brown recluse and black widow, can pose a risk to humans. These spiders prefer undisturbed areas like basements, attics, and dark corners.

Prevention Tips

• Keep clutter to a minimum, especially in basements and garages.
• Regularly dust and vacuum to disturb webs.
• Install weather stripping on doors and windows.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are active year-round but may become even more problematic in the fall as they look for warmth and food. These pests can easily infiltrate homes and multiply quickly. Cockroaches are known for spreading bacteria and allergens, making them a significant health concern, especially for those with respiratory issues.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your home clean and free of crumbs or food scraps.
• Regularly take out the trash and clean trash bins.
• Fix any plumbing leaks to eliminate moisture that attracts cockroaches.

Ants

While many think of ants as a summer problem, they can remain active well into the fall. In Alabama, fire ants and carpenter ants are common. As the weather cools, ants may invade homes in search of food and shelter. Carpenter ants, in particular, can cause structural damage as they hollow out wood to create their nests.

Prevention Tips

• Keep food sealed and off counters.
• Trim back shrubs and trees that touch the house.
• Eliminate standing water, which can attract ants.

Ladybugs (Asian Lady Beetles)

While ladybugs are beneficial in the garden, their fall migration indoors can become a nuisance. Asian lady beetles, in particular, often gather on the sunny side of buildings in large numbers. If they make their way inside, they can stain walls and furniture with a yellow secretion.

Prevention Tips

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, and utility lines.
• Consider installing insect screens or weather stripping.
• Sweep or vacuum them up if they enter your home.

Boxelder Bugs

Boxelder bugs congregate in large numbers during the fall, seeking warmth in the crevices of homes. They are attracted to sunny sides of buildings and can make their way indoors. While they don't bite or damage property, they can become a major nuisance.

Prevention Tips

• Repair damaged window screens.
• Caulk or seal around windows and doors.
• Use a vacuum to remove any bugs that find their way inside.

Trust Defense’s Exterminators to Protect Your Home

Fall in Alabama brings cooler weather, beautiful foliage, and unfortunately, pests seeking shelter. By understanding which pests are most active and taking the right prevention steps, you can reduce the likelihood of an infestation this season. For professional pest control, consider working with a local service that understands the specific pest challenges faced in Alabama. Keep your home protected and pest-free this fall when you contact Defense Pest Solutions so that you can enjoy the season without unwanted guests