Eleven Common Fall Pests in North Carolina

Eleven Common Fall Pests in North Carolina

Fall is in the air. The days are shorter, the mornings are cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change colors in the Carolinas and Virginia. That means weekends spend watching and playing football, camping, and bonfires, and all enjoying all of what makes our area special during Autumn.

The one downside to fall in the South is the unwanted pests that seek shelter in your home during the season. In this article, we are discussing the most common fall pests and what do to about them.

carpenter ants

Pest 1: Ants

Ants are among the most common house pest any season. During fall they will enter homes in search of food, shelter, and water. Some ants you might expect to see during autumn include:

  • Little Black Ants: These are the most common and recognizable ants you will find in your home. They typically nest in moist areas and enter your home through the tiny cracks and crevices in your walls and foundation in search of food.
  • Pavement Ants: You will find these ants in the cracks and crevices of your driveway and sidewalk, but you can also find them in crawlspaces and dirt basements, where they can create significant problems for homeowners.
  • Acrobat Ants: Distinguishable by the way in which they point their large abdomens in the air, these ants are unpleasant and will, if threatened, emit a foul odor. 
  • Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants are bad for homeowners as they will cause damage to structural wood in your home or furniture. You can find them in anywhere there is wood and if left unchecked, they can create major issues. 
  • Fire Ants: These ants are more common in the southern parts of North Carolina into South Carolina. They are not likely to enter your home; however, if you find them in your yard, you want to get rid of them as soon as possible. Their large mounds are noticeable and if they feel threatened, they will attack in large swarming groups and sting their victims repeatedly with venom. These swarms and stings can be especially dangerous for small children and the elderly.

If you have ants in your home or want to do your best to prevent them, some tips include:

  • Sweep and vacuum food spills and crumbs
  • Ensure indoor and outdoor trash cans have tight lids
  • Repair plumbing leaks and water damage quickly
  • Wash dirty dishes quickly
  • Dehumidify excess moisture
  • Repair structural wood damage

stink bugs

Pest 2: Stink Bugs

 

Stink bugs are one of the most annoying pests of autumn. It seems like they appear out of nowhere, invade every part of your home, and are possible to eradicate. If you want to fight back, prevention is key. Prevention tips include:

  • Seal entry areas: caulk cracks, replace storm windows, replace weather sealing, etc.
  • Leave lights near doors off as much as possible
  • Store food in airtight bags
  • Check clothes and belongings before entering your home
  • Keep branches, shrubbery, and firewood away from your doors and windows
  • Don’t crush them. They emit an odor that can attract others

brown recluse spider

Pest 3: Spiders

Spiders commonly enter homes from late summer through early autumn. You are likely to see hairy wolf spiders skittering across your floor. There are only four types of venomous spiders in North Carolina:

  • Brown Recluse Spiders
  • Black Widow Spiders
  • False Black Widow Spiders
  • Yellow Sac Spiders

If you have spiders in your home, you are not alone. Contact Rid-A-Bug to have them removed.


bedbug

Pest 4: Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are active year-round. If you or your family members find irritating itchy bites, blood stains on sheets, or must odors near furniture, bed bugs are likely the culprit. Beg bugs often hitch a ride on clothing or in suitcases after traveling. If you have bed bugs, you need to have them professionally controlled as soon as possible.


american cockroach

Pest 5: Cockroaches

Cockroaches are universally hated by all, and for good reason. They carry harmful bacteria and other bad things from trash, sewers, and other unsightly places. Cockroaches enter homes from summer through autumn in search of food and shelter. If you have cockroaches or any of these or other unwanted pests in your home, contact Rid-A-Bug. We typically offer same-day service and are fully licensed to serve much of North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina.


ladybugs

Pest 6: Ladybugs

If you have a garden this fall, you know that aphids can be a problem. Where there are aphids, there are ladybugs. While ladybugs can be a gardener’s best friend, they can be a real pain when they’re inside your home. Ladybugs may seek warmer spots to winter in the fall and can congregate in big numbers inside homes. These pests are not deadly, but it can be tough to get rid of them.


crane fly

Pest 7: Crane Flies

Crane flies are large and look a lot like giant flying granddaddy longlegs of winged insects. While they are harmless, you don’t want a house or car full of them. However, during fall, they are active and can pester you and your family.


beetles

Pest 8: Beetles

There are many types of beetles that are seeking a warm place to hang out, like your cozy home. Some of the beatles you will find in North Carolina during fall include:

  • Japanese beetles
  • Willow leaf beetles
  • Elm leaf beetles
  • Sap feeders
  • Ambrosia beetles
  • Emerald ash borers
  • Southern pine beetles
  • And more

You don’t necessarily need to know what type of beetles you have in your home to know you want to get rid of them.


caterpillar

Pest 9: Caterpillars

Caterpillars can be frequent guests in your North Carolina yard or home. While they do not pose a direct threat to your family, if you have a fall garden, they can wreak havoc on your crops.

In the fall, a variety of caterpillars may attack various plants in your garden. On cole crops, cabbage worms, diamondback moth caterpillars, and cabbage webworms can all be found.

They mainly feed on the leaf tissue, and they can sometimes strip all of the leaf tissue along the midrib, causing serious plant growth problems. Armyworms can be found on a variety of garden plants, including tomatoes, mints like basil and peppermint, hemp, and other crops.

You do not want to lose your crops so close to the final harvest, so make sure you take steps to get rid of caterpillars. Contact Rid-A-Bug for help.


slug

Pest 10: Slugs

Among the slimmest and ugliest pests, slugs can be a problem throughout much of the year. You will find them around your home, on your porch, and enjoying your outdoor furniture any time there is ample rain. Sometimes, unfortunately, you may find them inside your house. One of the worst feelings is stepping on a slub barefooted or while wearing socks.


rodents

Pest 11: Rodents and Other Wildlife

Mice, squirrels, chipmunks, and other small furry animals are especially active during autumn. Opossums and raccoons may be looking for a warm place to hang out or take a nap.

Sometimes, your attic or basement may be so inviting that wildlife will move into your home without notice. If you have a wildlife issue, you need to call a team that can have those unwelcomed furry guests humanely removed.

Many people consider this the best time of the year. Unfortunately, pests can become part of the North Carolina fall experience. However, they don’t have to ruin the entire season. If you have pests or rodents in your house or on your property, you need the area’s best exterminators.

Rid-A-Bug can respond within twenty-four hours and send unwanted pests packing. We can also help humanely relocate wildlife. Contact Rid-A-Bug for more information about fall pest extermination and rodent relocation.