Fall Pest Spotlight: What’s Creeping Into Your Home?
As temperatures drop in Indianapolis and the leaves start to change, pests begin making their move. While you're unpacking sweaters and sipping cider, unwanted guests like mice, spiders, and stink bugs are scoping out your home for warmth, food, and shelter.
Pests are especially active in the fall, and many people do not realize there's a problem until the pests have already settled in. AAA Exterminating helps you prevent issues early with expert pest control tailored to Indiana's unique pest pressures.
Why Fall Means More Pests Indoors
The cooler weather triggers a natural response in many pests: find a warm, protected space to spend the winter. Your attic, basement, garage, or wall voids offer exactly what they need. Additionally, leaf piles, firewood stacks, and unsealed entry points make it even easier for pests to get inside your home.
Pest problems in the fall may start out small but can escalate quickly, especially if pests bring in nesting materials, contaminate your food, or begin multiplying indoors.
What's Moving Into Indianapolis Homes This Fall
So, which pests are most common in Central Indiana during the fall? Here's a closer look at what you might find and why they show up.
Nuisance Invaders: Boxelder Bugs & Stink Bugs
Boxelder bugs and stink bugs do not bite or sting, but they are a noticeable annoyance. In early fall, they gather on sunny exterior walls and then slip indoors through cracks, vents, or attics.
Boxelder bugs can leave reddish stains if crushed, and stink bugs give off a strong smell when handled or feel threatened. They are not dangerous, but they can appear in large numbers, and no one wants them buzzing around all season.
Creepy Crawlers: Spiders
Spiders are most active in Indiana homes during the fall. When insects come inside, spiders follow. Most, like common house spiders and wolf spiders, are usually harmless. However, their webs or sudden appearances can still be unsettling.
Spiders often hide in garages, basements, or storage rooms that are not used much. They help control other insects, but if you see too many, it may be time to look at the bigger pest problem.
Health Risks: Rodents, Cockroaches & Ants
Some pests are more than just a nuisance; they can be a significant threat. Rodents, cockroaches, and ants can cause health and sanitation issues, especially in the fall when food is more difficult to find outdoors.
Rodents may chew through insulation and wiring, posing a fire risk and causing damage to your home. They are also known to carry diseases and contaminate food.
Cockroaches and ants often infest kitchens and bathrooms, especially where crumbs, spills, or leaks are present. They can spread bacteria, such as Salmonella, and may cause allergic reactions, especially in children or those with asthma.
Not sure which pest you're dealing with? AAA Exterminating's Pest Library is a helpful resource. With photos, descriptions, and behavior details for Indiana's most common pests, you can quickly identify what's creeping around your home and decide if it's time to call in the pros.
Signs That Fall Pests Have Moved In
Most pests try their best to stay out of sight, but they leave signs that they are around. Here are some things to look out for this season:
- Scratching or rustling in walls, especially at night
- Droppings in cabinets, basements, or near food
- Gnawed pantry packaging or wiring
- Spider webs in corners or cluttered areas
- Dead insects on windowsills
- Odd odors in enclosed spaces
If you notice any of these signs, it is a good idea to address the problem early before it gets worse.
How AAA Exterminating Can Help
AAA Exterminating knows the pest problems that affect Indianapolis homes in the fall, and we are ready to help before they get worse. Our fall pest services include:
- Thorough inspections to identify what's inside (or trying to get in)
- Safe, targeted treatments that work without disrupting your daily life
- Seasonal recommendations to keep your home pest-free long-term
We use methods that are safe for families and pets, and we bring over 70 years of local experience to every job.
Don't Wait Until Winter
Fall is an ideal time to address pest problems before they escalate into larger issues in winter. AAA Exterminating provides professional inspections and proven pest protection for Indianapolis homes.
As your local pest control company in Indianapolis, Indiana, we're here to help you enjoy a safe, pest-free season from the first fallen leaf to the first snowflake.