The fall season brings many changes including cooler temperatures and more opportunities for time outside. On the other hand, this time of year can also bring unwelcome fall pests into your home. Learn more about the most common autumn pests in Charlotte so you can know how to treat them and enjoy a bug-free home.

Ants

Some species of ants such as sugar ants and fire ants become more active during the cool fall months. The sheer number of ants that a colony can have is one of the biggest reasons they're a major fall pest in Charlotte.
Fire ants are able to build dirt mounds around the foundations of a home and enter through cracks, doorways, or windows. They’re mainly looking for shelter from the cold as well as food and water. With a painful sting, fire ants often leave itchy welts.

Cockroaches

Usually living in dark, damp parts of a home, cockroaches become more common during fall months. Among the most despised bugs in Charlotte, they prefer warmer temperatures and stay close to rooms with water sources such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Roaches are often difficult to treat as they repopulate quickly and are among the most resilient pests out there. They can get into food and make it go bad. They can even ruin clothing, books, wallpaper, and other items around the house.

The more cockroaches a home has, the more likely they will also produce a foul odor.

Beetles

The most common beetles in Charlotte are boxelder bugs, ladybugs, kudzu bugs, and stink bugs. These fall pests can be more difficult to get rid of and sometimes leave behind a foul smell if you squish them.

Many beetles also have a bad habit of staining clothes as they leave behind residue when they move.

Most beetles can bite with some species causing more pain and discomfort than others. They often multiply at a fast rate so it’s important to get rid of them in a timely manner.

Spiders

A variety of spider species come out during the cooler months in Charlotte. Among these fall pests are the brown recluse, wolf spiders, house spiders, orb-weaver spiders, jumping spiders, and black widows.

Some spiders have a venomous bite that can cause pain, discomfort, and swelling. They also spin webs, which can be sticky and difficult to clean up. While some people like having spiders outside in their fall gardens as a natural form of pest control, they aren’t usually welcome inside the home.

Crane Flies

While they are harmless to humans, crane flies can be an annoying nuisance in and around your home. Also known as mosquito hawks, these insects look like flying daddy long-leg spiders.

They don’t bite or cause any harm but often buzz around doorways, ceilings, and house walls.

Rodents

Common rodents like mice and rats start searching for food and warmer places to stay as cooler fall temperatures come along. These unsanitary pests can bring diseases with them that could be passed on to humans and/or pets.

When rats and mice get into a home, they can cause lasting damage to wooden beams, plastic pipes, metalwork, drywall, and more. In some cases, they may even chew through electrical wiring, leading to power issues and even house fires.

Need Help Getting Rid of Fall Pests?

Some of the best ways to avoid fall pests in your home are:

• Keep your kitchen clean
• Don’t leave out food
• Avoid storing firewood by your home
• Seal all cracks and other openings
• Get your home treated by a pest control company regularly

If you’re looking for the best pest control team in Charlotte, look no further than the professional crew here at Thomas Pest Control. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!