Some of those pests are annoying, and some are destructive. Here are some signs you are about to face an infestation and what you should do about it.
COMMON FALL PEST INFESTATIONS
1. MORE SPIDERS IN THE FALL
Spiders are one of the most common fall pests. Many of us are convinced the fall will provide a reprieve from these unwanted arachnids, but, unfortunately, as summer draws to an end, it’s only the beginning of spider season.
Few people like spiders, but many are absolutely petrified of them. Spiders are not just annoying, but they strike fear in the hearts of many people. 75% of people express having at least some measure of arachnophobia.
There are only four venomous spiders in North Carolina and Virginia:
- Brown Recluse Spider: The most hazardous spiders in our region, without a doubt, are brown recluses. They are unassuming brown spiders. Although they tend to live alone, if you locate one, there may be others. You need to give us a call right now. If you are bit by one, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
- Black Widow Spider: These spiders lurk in your home's gloomy, hostile spaces. You can recognize them by their large abdomens and distinctive red spots. They should be removed as soon as possible since they are highly harmful.
- False Black Widow Spider: If you see one of these, you most likely don't care if it is a real or faux black widow; you just want it gone. This version of the black widow does not have a distinctive red spot. Despite not being as poisonous as black widows, they are nevertheless a concern for you and your family.
- Yellow Sac Spider: Despite being the least dangerous spiders on this list, yellow sac spiders are still not something you want to have around your house. These spiders need to be eliminated as soon as possible.
When you start seeing spiders, whether venomous or not, could be indicative of the presence of other pests.
IF YOU HAVE A LOT OF SPIDERS:
Spiders are everyone’s least favorite fall pests. Well, there may be a few of us who actually like spiders, but you can be sure no one likes to run face-first into a spider web when they walk out the front door.
Unfortunately, spiders are not standalone agents of annoyance. If you are seeing a lot of spiders, you are likely to also have a lot of the pests around that they eat. In this case, you probably need comprehensive insect extermination. Some of the insects on which spiders prey include:
- Mosquitos
- Flies
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- And much more
Spiders only hang around your home if they find it inviting, so if you’re providing them dinner, they’re going to enjoy their stay and have little incentive to leave.
2. DO YOU HAVE GIANT MOSQUITOES…?
You might have seen a flying insect that looks like a mosquito. It is likely crane flies, and they are annoying. Large and resembling enormous flying granddaddy longlegs or monster mosquitoes, crane flies are a common sight.
Despite being harmless, you don't want them to overtake your home or vehicle. However, they become active and might bother you and your family in the fall.
3. ONE BEETLE, TWO BEETLE, THREE BEETLE, MORE…
It is not at all uncommon to see a beetle or two in your North Carolina or Virginia home. There are many different kinds of beetles looking for a warm spot to hang out, like your comfortable house. Fall in North Carolina brings forth a variety of beetles, including:
- Japanese beetles
- Willow leaf beetles
- Elm leaf beetles
- Sap feeders
- Ambrosia beetles
- Emerald ash borers
- Southern pine beetles
- And more
Beetles aren’t necessarily harmful, but they still aren’t something you want running around your home and family.
4. A TAP, TAP, TAPPING IN YOUR WALLS COULD MEAN SOMETHING SCARY IS IN YOUR HOME…
The two most common types of termites you’ll come across are subterranean termites and drywood termites. It’s important to identify which type of termite you are dealing with because they may require different treatment methods.
Subterranean Termites
These termites are located in the wood of your home's foundation, the soil, and any compost piles you may have nearby. To go around your house, they build mud tubes or trails made of wood and earth. Their saw-toothed teeth usually inflict more damage than drywood termites.
Soldier termites have brown heads but the same body color as workers, which are light cream in hue. Termites that are reproducing are either black, brown, or creamy white. Termite colonies in the ground can grow significantly, from 100,000 to 1 million termites.
Drywood Termites
Unlike subterranean termites, which need soil contact to survive, drywood termites can only live in wood. They only typically exist in warm coastal areas and do not build mud tubes to move.
Like subterranean termites, wood-damaging termites are white. Some have wings that range in color from pale brown to yellow. Termite colonies in dry wood can only support 2,500 individuals.
YOU PROBABLY HAVE TERMITES IF:
Termites are not just annoying; they are destructive and can cost you thousands of dollars if left unchecked. There is a good chance you have termites to exterminate if you have any of these signs:
- Discarded wings laying around near your walls or flooring
- Streaks of mud along your walls that are actually tunnels for termites
- Pellets of termite droppings piled near wood
- Peeling paint and soft spots in your flooring
- Tapping in the walls, which is the sound they make as they knock their heads against your home
This is one of the worst infestations you can experience in the fall. If you have signs of termites, there is no time to wait. You need to contact Rid-A-Bug Exterminating immediately.
5. IF YOU SEE NUMEROUS LADYBUGS…
Ladybugs are probably the cutest insect in the Carolinas and Virginia. They are also vicious predators that are major allies to your garden. When you see ladybugs outside, you know they are eating the destructive aphids that wreak havoc on your precious garden plants.
When you see them inside, however, they are probably feeding on mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. You need to seek extermination for those little pests.
6. YOU PROBABLY HAVE MICE IF…
Mice seek the comfort and safety of the indoors all year, but especially as temperatures cool in the fall. You likely have a problem with mice if you find:
- Tiny droppings that look a lot like sesame seeds
- Holes in your cereal boxes, bread bags, and other food items
- Piles of shredded fibers in the corners of your garage and basement
Mice are gross, but we don’t have to tell you that. Contact Rid-A-Bug as soon as possible to get rid of mice quickly.
7. IF YOU SEE AN ANTHILL NEAR YOUR HOUSE…
An anthill near your home is often indicative of what will soon be an ant infestation. Most ants are not necessarily destructive, but a train of them going in and out of your home is typically not something you want inside your home. They can get into food containers and essentially ruin your groceries.
Carpenter ants are destructive and can cause significant damage. They will burrow into your wood floors and walls, leaving behind holes much like termites. They may not do quite as much damage as termites, but you do not want to leave them unchecked.
Fall pest infestations are not nearly as enjoyable as campfires, screen porch sitting, grilling, and all of the other great things about Autumn. Actually, problem pests are not any fun at all. Before an infestation gets out of hand, give Rid-A-Bug a call.
We can usually solve your pest problem within24-hours, so there is no reason to wait. Get the expert team at Rid-A-Bug to exterminate your pests. Contact us today.