As the temperatures begin to cool in Fort Myers, you might think your pest problems are winding down—but the opposite is true. Fall is a prime time for pests to move indoors, seeking warmth, food, and shelter in Fort Myers. Understanding why pests invade and how to prevent them is key to keeping your home pest-free this season.
Why Pests Move Indoors in the Fall
During the fall, insects and rodents are driven indoors by several factors:
- Colder Temperatures: As the outdoor environment cools, pests such as ants, spiders, and cockroaches seek the warmth of your home.
- Food Scarcity: Natural food sources like plants and other insects become less available, prompting pests to find new sources inside your house.
- Shelter Needs: Rodents, including mice and rats, look for safe, dry places to nest before winter arrives.
Common fall pests in Fort Myers include:
- Rodents: Mice and rats often enter homes through small gaps in search of warmth.
- Cockroaches: These resilient insects are drawn to kitchens, pantries, and dark spaces.
- Spiders: Fall is mating season for spiders, and they often enter homes looking for prey.
- Ants: As temperatures drop, ants move indoors to continue foraging.
How to Keep Pests Out This Fall
Preventing pests from entering your Fort Myers home requires proactive measures:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect doors, windows, vents, and cracks in your foundation or walls, and seal any gaps.
- Keep Food Stored Properly: Store pantry items in airtight containers and clean up crumbs promptly.
- Maintain Your Yard: Trim bushes, remove leaf piles, and ensure firewood is stored away from your home.
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaky pipes and ensure proper drainage around your home to deter pests.
- Call the Professionals: For persistent infestations or preventative maintenance, contact a local Fort Myers pest control service to protect your home year-round.
Fall in Fort Myers is beautiful—but it’s also the season when pests seek refuge indoors. By taking preventative steps and staying vigilant, you can keep your home pest-free and enjoy a cozy, worry-free season.