3 Fall Pests to Watch Out for in Virginia

Pests don’t just appear during the summer—they can cause all kinds of havoc in the fall and the winter, too. Here at Accel Pest and Termite Control, we’ve got your back for all your Virginia pest control needs.

Ants

More than any other factor, changes in weather is the main reason ants head indoors. These tiny invaders hate the wet and cold conditions that come with fall months, turning your home into their own. Though more of a nuisance than a threat to your home or health, ant infestations prove to be difficult to get rid of. In addition to targeting ants outside the nest that you see crawling across counters or in pantries, you also need to target unseen nests.

How to Identify an Ant Infestation

The easiest way to identify an ant infestation in your home is taking a look in your kitchen. Ants are drawn to food and water, targeting food that has been left out or crumbs on the counter. In addition, you may also find them under the sink or around poorly sealed faucets. Ants target easy water sources like dripping faucets and leaky pipes. While ant nests are easy to spot outdoors in cracks on the sidewalk, they’re a bit harder to identify indoors. Nests in homes are typically built in walls and other quiet, dark places. If you notice ants coming out of cracks in the wall or through electrical outlets, you’re likely close to the source.

Tips to Prevent Ants in Your Home

Keeping ants out of your home during fall comes down to one main task: keeping your kitchen, bathroom, and home clean. Sanitation is critical for the prevention and control of any pest as they enter your home in search of food, water, and shelter. Be sure to wipe up any crumbs or spills, keep foods sealed, and sweep floors regularly. If you’re dealing with a chronic faucet drip or leak, we recommend sealing any problem areas or investing in professional assistance. 

Mice

If you have mice in your home, it’s likely that you’ve already noticed their presence in your space. Rodents are one of the most common pests to head indoors during cooler months in search of shelter, heat, and food. They’re also very creative in their approach to getting inside, entering through cracks in walls, open doors, vents, pipes, and even chimneys. You name it and they’ve probably tried it!

Rodents are not only a nuisance in your home but also pose a risk to the health and safety of your home with the diseases they can spread through bites and droppings. 

How to Identify a Rodent Infestation

Mice don’t hibernate in the winter so if they make their way indoors, you’ll be able to tell. Rodents spend their time foraging for food, seeking shelter, and avoiding predators. You’re likely to find them in attics, walls, and crawl spaces. And with their ability to reproduce quickly, a few mice can easily turn into a whole pack if not taken care of. 

You might start to notice signs of chewing on food packaging and rodent droppings around food packages, in cupboards, or around your sink. In addition, mice may drop nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric. Holes may pop up in walls and floors as entry points into your home. Once they make themselves at home, you might also start to smell a stale odor coming from hidden areas. If you start to notice signs of rodents in your home, it’s time to take action.

Keeping Rodents Out of Your Home

If you do find yourself with an infestation, professional rodent control is essential to eliminating the problem. Mice and rats are one of the most common home pests you’ll encounter, especially during the fall and winter, but are one of the most difficult to exterminate. There are a few steps you’ll want to take to keep rodents out this fall, including:

• Seal holes inside and outside of your home, including patching any holes on the outside walls or near the foundation and plugging any smaller holes with caulk or steel wool. 
• Remove nesting materials from the foundation of home and off your property, such as mulch, leaf piles, and grass.
• Keep your kitchen clean and wipe up any food scraps or spills, keeping your garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids. 

Termites

While seldom seen or heard, termites have the ability to cause catastrophic damage to your home or business if not addressed properly or quickly enough. It’s no surprise that even though these aren’t the main pests you’ll encounter, they’re typically one of the most feared. If a colony is not exterminated, it has the potential to last indefinitely and contain over a million individual members in addition to the queen. Keeping an eye out for signs of termites and taking early action is key to keeping this pest at bay.

How to Identify a Termite Infestation

Depending on what type of species of termites you’re dealing with, the damage in your home can look a little different. However, some of the most common infestation signs include:

• Termite swarmers
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Blistered floors
• Mud tubes
• Frass or pellets

You’ll likely notice signs of termite damage before happening upon the colony so always investigate if tiles have become loose, floor boards are squeaky, or you begin to notice a moldy scent around your home. 

Termite Prevention Tips

Similar to ants and mice, termites are attracted to moisture. If your home or business has any leaking faucets or water pipes, you’ll want to make getting these repaired a priority. It is also recommended to keep mulch away from the base of your home and trim any trees or bushes at least 18 inches from your structure. In addition to removing shrubs that are growing against exposed wood surfaces, take care not to pile or store firewood or wood debris directly next to your home. 

Protect Your Home This Fall With Accel Pest and Termite Control 

Whether you’re already dealing with an infestation or want to be proactive before problems arise, Accel Pest and Termite Control is here to help. Our technicians are trained to identify problem areas in your home or business, develop a plan to eliminate invaders, and prevent them from coming back. Your home is your oasis, so choose a pest control partner that treats your space like their own.

With same day service, 100% satisfaction guarantee, and no contract preventative plans and services, it’s easy to see why Accel Pest and Termite Control is a top choice for residents and business owners in Virginia. Contact us to schedule a free estimate and start living your best pest free fall day, today!